Trail #116 High Lakes

A map depicting trails in the High Lakes area within the Cowlitz Valley vicinity.

High Lakes area general map in the Cowlitz Valley Vicinity. Sites include: Adams Fork Campground, Boulder Trail #1C, Cat Creek Campground, Council Bluff Trail #117, Green Mountain Trail #110 , Hamilton Buttes Trail #118 , Hamilton Peak Trail #109, High Lakes Trail #116, Horseshoe Lake Campground, Keenes Horse Camp, Keenes Trail #120, Killen Creek Campground, Spring Creek Trail #115, East Canyon Trail #265, Takh Takh Meadow Trail #136.

Area Status: Open

Wildflowers, huckleberries, volcanic features, high elevation lakes, and spectacular views dominate this historic trail, which was once used by Yakama Indians picking berries in the high lakes area.

Beginning near Olallie Lake off Forest Road 5601, this trail travels through a conifer forest and passes by Chain of Lakes at 1.5 miles. After passing Chain of Lakes the trail enters an open forest with views of Mt. Adams. A large trailhead is located at the end of Forest Road 2329.022 adjacent to Chain of Lakes near the trail.

From Chain of Lakes the trail drops steeply to a large lava flow and Adams Fork Creek. It then climbs through an open forest to Horseshoe Lake, with views of Mt. Adams, before the junction with Spring Creek Trail #115 just north of Horshoe Lake.

High Lakes Trail #116 continues east past Horseshoe Lake to its junction with Keenes Trail #120 near Spring Creek just west of Keenes Horse Camp and Killen Creek Campground. From here High Lakes Trail turns and heads north to cross Forest Road 5603 and on to its terminus at Forest Road 2329.117. Klickitat Loop Trail #7A continues north from this junction.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	6/25/23: Access to trail is clear and no snow, Road conditions are favorable on Forest Rd 23 and 2329. You may encounter down limbs and trees and brush over trail in places. Leave No Trace. Heavy mosquito population. No creating new trails into forest for ATV use!
Restrictions:	The section of trail east of Horseshoe Lake Campground is closed to motorcycles. Entire trail is closed to ATV use.
Closest Towns:	Randle, WA; Packwood, WA
Water:	No
Restroom:	No
Passes:	Recreation pass is not required at trailhead near Olallie Lake.
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Cowlitz Valley Ranger District

General Information

Directions:

From Randle, Washington travel south on State Highway 131 (Forest Roads 23 and 25). Veer left in 1 mile at the Y of Forest Road 23 and Forest Road 25. Continue to follow Forest Service Road 23 for 30.2 miles and turn left on Forest Road 2329. Follow Forest Road 2329 for .78 miles. Road 2329 turns to the right at the junction of Forest Road 5601. Follow Forest Road 5601(straight) for .2 miles and arrive at the trail on the right.