Springboard Trail

The Springboard Trail is named for a feature related to logging. As the trail’s interpretive guide explains, loggers put metal-tipped boards called springboards into notches in the lower part of the tree trunk so they could stand on them and cut the tree above the butt swell.

This interpretive trail has 8 posts corresponding to an informational sheet that you can download before your trip. However, with the passage of time, some of the features are no longer evident.

It’s a beautiful hike anyway, with wildflowers in the early summer and golden larches in the fall. A short walk from the trailhead brings you to a fork with a peeling sign. Turn left onto the Springboard Trail. After crossing a small stream on a footbridge you’ll reach another signed fork.

Go left to do the loop in a clockwise direction, which corresponds to the interpretive guide. The trail ascends, crosses an ORV track, and continues up through a mix of sun and shade. Post 5 is a viewing platform from which you can see Lake Thomas below. Near the top of the bluff you’ll pass through a sunny area filled with very young larch and pine trees.

As the trail descends, you’ll get back into deeper shade with larger trees. The trail continues to descend, crosses the ORV track again, and returns to the campground.