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Trip Report

Soda Peaks Lake — Thursday, Jul. 8, 2021

Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region

This will be brief ... it's hard to see the "entrance" to Trailhead 133.  You actually have to go about 100' up the trail to find the kiosk (partly knocked over, with available wilderness permits).  The USFS directions led me to a road interesection where 54, 5407, and 307 all came together. I highly suggest you have a downloaded map on your phone (AllTrails was pretty good) so you can see where to bend over to the right.  

As soon as I got out of the car, there was an overwhelming sound of mosquitos.  A few million bees and flies came along too, but definitely outnumbered by the mosquitos.  Even getting into and out of the car to grab the pack let a dozen or so inside.

I lathered on repellent.  I put two wipes with repellent around my neck.  Had on long sleeved shirt and pants.  Nothing worked.  The f*****s would go inside my ears, under my sleeves, on a knuckle that must have missed getting a layer of repellant.

I gave up.  I could handle black flies up on Sleeping Beauty, but the incessant whine of the mosquitos, dealing with them flying into ears and eyes - I'll pass.  I'll return when they're dead and before the snow is deep.

But the first mile of the trail was pretty good - a bit overgrown in spots, but very nice.  

No bathroom at trailhead, and if you're going to eat - do it in your vehicle before you get out.  

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