After failing to make it all the way to the lake last time, I decided to try again today. I took the longer route from the Trapper Creek trail. As other trip reports have mentioned, it is pretty steep once you get on the Soda Peaks trail, with the first few switchbacks being the worst. Once you get up onto the ridge it's not as steep, though it does still keep going up. On the bright side, it's straight down when you're on your way back. There are a few downed trees and some areas are overgrown and/or eroded. A couple of the trees are pretty big, but it's possible to go around, climb over, or crawl under all of them. All of the trees but one are on the Soda Peaks trail. There's now one down on the Trapper Creek trail, between where 132 branches off and the Soda Peaks trail begins. You can get around it, but it's definitely blocking the trail. As far as the overgrown areas, they weren't horrible, but I did regret wearing a tank top. The lake is beautiful. I ate my lunch by it and then sat there relaxing for about an hour. I saw a number of fish and a little tiny crawdad. It's a very nice place, and a good spot to rest after all those switchbacks. The bugs weren't too terrible on the trail, but they did get a bit annoying down by the lake. I got a couple mosquito bites, but I'm glad I was wearing bug spray or I probably would've gotten more. All in all, this was a lovely hike. It took me about 2.5 hours to get to the lake and maybe 1.5 hours to get back to the Trapper Creek trail head.

First off, I'd seen some conflicting information about the western trail head off FR 54. The Forest Service website says that it's open, but I'd seen some reports that that portion of the trail had been decommissioned. I drove to this trail head first and it appears to be open. There were other cars parked there and no signs saying it was closed as far as I could tell. I wanted a longer hike, though, so I turned around and drove back to the Trapper Creek trail head. FR 54 is suitable for all vehicles, but keep an eye on the road as there are some branches and rocks on the road. They're all avoidable but they can catch you by surprise if you're not paying attention. The roads up to the Trapper Creek trail head are in great shape. The Trapper Creek trail is in good shape from the trail head to the junction with the Soda Peaks Lake trail. The water in the creek is low enough that the creek crossing isn't a problem. The Soda Peaks Lake trail isn't too bad either, but there are a number of eroded areas and downed trees. Most of the trees are small and can be stepped over, but some are large enough that they're blocking the trail and you have to climb over or crawl under them. Unfortunately, I started getting a migraine about 3/4 of the way to the lake and had to turn around, so I can't say what condition the trail is the rest of the way to the lake. I'm sure it was beautiful though, what with the cool, lightly rainy weather. The Trapper Creek Wilderness is lovely to hike through. I hope to come back some time soon and hike through to Soda Peaks Lake.

Initially, I was apprehensive about driving out to Soda Peaks for fear of clearance issues due to the altitude and time of year. In short, despite excessive blowdown and some snowdrifts to carefully traverse, the hike was pretty enjoyable and a great option for the more nimble and experienced hiker. This is probably an optimistic review given the fair abundance of biting flies and ants; considerable debris, and understandably frigid lake water (We set out with the intention of swimming). Neither my partner or I are in great shape so the climb and descent, in both directions, were physically demanding to say the least. That said, it's always an exceptional option when seeking panoramic views of snow-capped Adams, Goat Rocks, Mount St. Helens, and Rainier as well the promise of a refreshing dip in a high wilderness lake on a sweltering day.

Memorial Day weekend backpacked in Trapper Creek Wilderness. An amazing little wilderness with ample campsites and great well-maintained trails. Our trip consisted of: Friday night drive from Seattle to Beaver Campground (past Carson, WA and the great Backwoods Brewing co. on Wind River road). We arrived super late and as per usual on Mem. Day weekend, it was pretty slammed. We got super lucky with the last site at Beaver which is just fine car camping with plenty of sites, bathrooms, usual amenities. Recommend doing this hike from the southern entrance on Wind River Rd versus the northern entrance. There is a paved road all the way to TH! Saturday morning-super short drive to the Observation Peak TH. You just drive up Wind River Rd near Govt Mineral Springs campground and you're right there. We parked and packed up for 2 nights overnight. The debate was which trail to take up, Observation Peak trail #132 or Trapper Creek trail #192. Craig Romano recommends going up Trapper Creek and descending on 132 after reaching the peak. I very much disagree! You should ascend on 132 to the peak and descend on 192. The switchbacks on 192 are gnarly and seriously would be tough to ascend as compared to 132. So we started going up 132 (it is VERY well-marked and splits off from the the TH and trapper creek. Just take a guide book with you for details on distance. Basically, you follow the signs up to Observation Peak. We had no problems with weather, bugs, trail conditions etc. It was really pretty smooth sailing and extra special thanks to the amazing signage in the Wilderness. It is really visible and well-marked. We ascended starting at 12 PM and probably made it to the junction the Peak at 5 pm. We walked on to Berry Camp and decided to make camp near there. At Berry Camp (which is really the junction of several trails, including Big Hollow Trail and 132) there is also another campsite in the woods with a primitive firepit. Since it was a little more off the main trails, we actually set up there and not the 'official' Berry camp site. Good thing, because we had more folks come in that night and they set up at Berry. The hike from Berry Camp to the actual Peak is an off-shoot trail, so we actually ditched our backpacks and just scooted up to the Peak and then back down. Amazing views, you can really see Hood, Adams, MSH, Rainier. It is stunning! There is also a clear campsite at the peak, which provided you have good weather and no wind, would be a great place to camp. Difficult to stake a tent though. Camped in Berry vicinity that night, which also has a stream just a short distance down the Big Hollow trail, so water sources were adequate. KEEP IN MIND THIS WILL NOT BE THE CASE IN JULY/AUGUST. I could easily see it getting very dry and not having the snow-melt we had. Next day descended down the Trapper Creek trail #192 with a lot of switchbacks and some down logs but nothing to bad. About 6ish miles descending but ample signs the whole way. We got down to the junction of Soda Peaks Lake, Trapper Creek, and 132, and decided to try to head up Soda Peaks Lake Trail #133. Not a good idea at 5pm. It is truly Granite Mtn steep, and 3.1 miles of straight elevation. I would make sure you do this as a full day and leave ample time for the elevation, down trees, etc. So we attempted to head up the trail but it got too late so we headed back down and ended up camping close to the initial ascent of 133, right on the trail. There is actually a great campsite near the creek that is super nice and makes for an easy walk out to the TH the next day. Monday we headed back out to TH, only about 1.5 miles or so. Signage on 133 to 132 to TH was easy to navigate. Lots of folks were heading in and out on the trail so we exchanged beta. Monday was spent exploring the Gorge: Bridge of the Gods, walk across as a pedestrian! Bonneville Hot Springs, worth the $$, downtown Skamania, nice spot for lunch, river walk, etc. Then the inevitable slog back to I-5 and either to Portland or Seattle. We headed to Seattle and got lucky with the drive-about 4ish hours. This is a great loop to do for 1 night, or extend it out for two. Highly recommended. Romano's book on the region is a great resource as well.

The Soda Peaks Lake Trailhead has been closed due to erosion but you can take Trapper Creek Trail for 1.5miles to meet up with Soda Peaks Lake trail. The Trapper Creek Trailhead is just one turn on the road before the original Soda Peaks Lake Trailhead.