Lost Lake, Manastash Lake — Sunday, Sep. 7, 2014

South Cascades

This is actually a Lost Lake/Manastash Lake Trip Report. For some reason, WTA doesn't show the Lost Lake segment. Together they are roughly 7.5 miles round trip. This was a wonderful hike, much better than I'd been led to believe just reading some other reports. Everyone's main concern is the motorcycle traffic, but seemingly after Labor Day not much of an issue. In fact, we saw NO other hikers, but did encounter two groups of motorcycles - one on the trail, and one while we were stopped at Lost Lake on the way down. Both groups were polite, the first slowing for us and thanking us for moving off trail. I could see how this could be an issue on more crowded weekends, but there are lots of other motorcycle trails in the area, and I got the feeling talking to the guys in the 2nd group that they would avoid trails shared with hikers if possible. The trail itself has now become one of my favorites. A fairly easy drive although a long stretch on a well-graveled road. Parking area has a decent, newer pit toilet. The trail is that nice combination of some gentle to moderate climbs, with fairly level stretches in between. We had a dog off-leash, and as I said, didn't see any other hikers. The first part of the trail up to a fork is about .8 miles (stay to the left on the main #1350, not #1350-1 which veers right), and at times is sort of a very narrow, rocky gully. But you quickly get to some nice trail hiking, with some views of Table Mountain the valleys to the east. Lost Lake is a pleasant meander, although it didn't appear you could circumnavigate on the trail. But beautiful nonetheless with at least a couple of rustic campsites. From Lost Lake, take the trail on the east side for Manastash Lake. After about .75 miles you get into a series of 3 long, but gentle switchbacks. You then continue on a while before crossing a very scenic creek (not sure if it's Manastash Creek or another), gently climb and then descend to Manastash Lake. Again a very scenic lake, with a trail that continues around about half-way to the campsites and then further. Someone has even built a gorgeous bench seat right over the bank in honor of a friend. I bushwhacked around the rest of the lake while my wife doubled back on the trail. Beware - if bushwhacking you can follow the trail by the lake edge until the very end, but then have to really work to find the main trail again.