Dry Creek Trail
This trail offers views of the Cowlitz River Valley, Goat Dike, and Smith Point. There is limited trailhead space.
Located above the Cowlitz Valley, Dry Creek Trail begins on Forest Road 20, climbs steeply south through a dense, young forest, and ends at the former site of Smith Point Lookout. An unmaintained trail continues past the former lookout site to Dry Creek Pass.
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Glacier Lake
This trail is within Goat Rocks Wilderness and accesses Glacier Lake which was formed when a landslide dammed Glacier Creek.
This trail begins on Forest Road 2110. The trail follows an old logging road for a short distance through a young forest. It then enters an ancient forest, skirts the north side of the steep-walled valley of Glacier Creek, then drops down to the creek. The trail ends at Glacier Lake, with only a rough path along the lake. Look for the large boulders strewn about as you near the lake. These boulders are part of a massive landslide that happened more than 600 years ago. The slide dammed Glacier Creek, forming the lake.
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Juniper Ridge Trail
Juniper Ridge Trail offers an excellent opportunity for a backpacking trip, complete with views or shorter day hikes from the ridge.
From the trailhead on Forest Road 2904, the trail climbs the first 2 miles through small conifers with views between trees. The trail follows the ridgeline for 4.5 miles to the base of Sunrise Peak, then drops down to a meadow and pond, before climbing back to the ridge. The trail skirts Juniper Peak, Sunrise Peak, and Jumbo Peak. The trail ends near Dark Meadows at Boundary Trail #1. Forest Road 2324 and the Sunrise Trail #262 are good ways to get to the high open ridge tops. Much of the trail along the open ridge top takes you through an area that burned in 1902 and again in 1918, resulting in the beautiful meadows along the ridge today. This trail was once used by sheepherders as a “stock driveway” from 1900 to the 1930s. Look for an old watering trough north of Jumbo Peak.
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Sand Lake
From Forest Road 1284 Sand Lake Trail climbs steeply through dense forest before entering the William O. Douglas Wilderness. The trail follows an even grade toward Cortright Point. Turning east, the trail descends to the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 at Sand Lake. This trail was part of the Yakamainsert-Cowlitz Trail. The Sand Lake Trail once accessed a Nachespam village, now covered by Rimrock Lake.
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Takhlakh Lake Loop
A short loop trail follows the shoreline of Takhlakh Lake, giving hikers views of Mt. Adams. Portions of the trail along the lake near the day use are flat and accessible. The heavily used trail begins in the campground and meets with Takh Takh Meadows Trail #136 after 0.5 miles. Both trails are ideal for families or anyone looking for an easy, scenic hike. There are vault toilets in the campground during the season. The vault toilets are accessible though some people may need assistance on the approach.
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Woods Creek Watchable Wildlife Area
This is an excellent place for bird watching, a picnic, or a hike just south of Randle, Washington. The day-use area has an accessible vault toilet, 3 picnic tables, and grills and provides access to Woods Creek Watchable Wildlife Trail #247. The scenic 1.5-mile loop travels through five habitat areas with interpretive signs offering hikers an opportunity to learn about diverse wildlife and their habitats. This trail, built by volunteers, was built to be accessible. It is four feet wide with compacted gravel surfacing. For a longer hike, continue on the Oldgrowth Loop Trail #247A.
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Packwood Lake
Packwood Lake offers an easy, scenic trail suitable for hikers of all ages and is accessible earlier in the season than many other South Cascades trails. Located near a passenger-friendly road and featuring fishing spots, wildflowers, and historical touches, the lake trail gives a glimpse of Mount Rainier from the trailhead and provides plenty of quiet lakeshore spots, even on busy days. The Taidnapam people used the lake long before the early 1900s trail was built, and a forested island in the lake adds to its picturesque charm. Hikers can explore a historical guard station, and fishing enthusiasts will find posted regulations at the trailhead. Those seeking a longer trek can continue to the Pacific Crest Trail or loop back on the multi-use Pipeline Road Trail, which offers views of the hydroelectric project, mossy cliffs, and waterfalls.
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Round Mountain
The Round Mountain Lookout Trail (No. 1144) offers a moderate hike through the William O. Douglas Wilderness, with a rewarding 360-degree view at the summit of Mount Rainier, Goat Rocks, and Mount Adams. Starting from the forested trailhead, hikers gradually ascend with minimal views until reaching the old lookout site, where the concrete footings remain from a structure originally built in 1935. At the summit, enjoy scenic vistas of Clear Lake, Rimrock Lake, and, on clear days, Kloochman Rock. The trail can be hot and has no water, so bring plenty of supplies, and be prepared for sections that may still hold snow into early summer. A ridge path near the lookout provides views of a past forest fire, adding to the area’s unique, reflective atmosphere.
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Tieton River Trail
The Tieton Nature Trail offers a scenic, easy hike along the Tieton River, ideal for a peaceful spring or early summer outing. Managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and The Nature Conservancy, the trail features views of the river, diverse wildflowers, unique basalt formations, and abundant birdlife. It’s also popular with rock climbers, who are mindful of nesting eagles and falcons that sometimes close off routes. Starting from the Oak Creek Wildlife Recreation Area, hikers cross a bridge and follow a gentle path with minimal elevation gain, passing Garry oaks, colorful lichen, and meadows before reaching a suspension bridge and “crooked bridge” at around three miles, a perfect turnaround or lunch spot. Though remote and rarely crowded, this trail requires a Discover Pass, and visitors should be cautious of ticks, poison oak, and rattlesnakes in season.
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