Soda Peaks Lake — Saturday, Jun. 11, 2016

Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region

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.