We used the shorter Western TH to access Satsop Lake today. It's been a while since I've been out to Wynoochee and I found that NF-2222 is closed and cinderblocked just past the Satsop Campground. We backtracked and accessed it from the West side along the Wynoochee Lake Shore Road, NF-2312. Anyone trying to get to Lower Satsop Lakes is going to have to take the long way (assuming there are no road blockages descending to the lakes from the Church Creek TH). It was fairly smooth driving with just a few minor washes that pose no issue if you come at them from the right angle. There was one rocky section of road close to the beginning of NF-222 but, once again, no issues in a Subaru Outback (just a lot of dust).
There is very little parking at the trailhead and no amenities. Only one other car leaving as we arrived. We had the short trail to ourselves and enjoyed the forest and all the trillium blooming right now.
There is a tree down across the trail as it descends to the shore of Satsop lake but it's easily avoided by walking around it. I was surprised to see that all of the greenery around the lake is currently brown. Not sure if I came at the wrong time of year or if our snowpack was so abysmal this season that new growth isn't coming in.
The good news is wildlife was thriving. We saw lots of trout, tadpoles, and salamanders in the lake. A black bear also made an appearance on the Northeastern shore of the lake, luckily after we had finished exploring in that area. We did take a peek at the trail beyond as it continued north past the lake outlet. It was immediately swampy and had a few blowdowns.
The lake would have been prettier with more green grass but the water was perfectly reflective and we had it to ourselves so I can't complain.
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