Trail #118 Hamilton Buttes
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.
This trail is open to motorcycles, hikers, horses and bicycles.
The trail starts on Forest Road 78 and climbs to the junction with the Hamilton Ridge Trail #109A, then ends a little further to the north, at the junction with the Blue Lake Butte Trail #119 and the Yoozoo Trail #276. Time it right and you will be surrounded by wildflowers and huckleberries.
This trail was once used by fire lookouts on their way to their solitary post. The trail, mainly used by trailbikes, joins with the Valley Trail #270 to the south and ties in to the north with the Blue Lake Butte Trail #119, Yozoo Trail #276 and Hamilton Peak Trail #109. On the south end, the Hamilton Buttes Trail climbs through scattered old growth and second growth forests before entering open fields on top where you get views of Mt. Adams and the Cispus River. The trail follows the ridge through several open meadows.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | 10/4/2021: Trail was cleared in early-mid summer however current conditions are unknown. |
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Usage: | Light-Medium |
Restrictions: | Closed to ATV use. |
Closest Towns: | Randle, WA; Packwood, WA |
Water: | No |
Restroom: | No |
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. Follow Forest Road 23 for 17.5 miles then turn left onto Forest Road 21. Follow Forest Road 21 for 6.6 miles and turn left on Forest Road 78 for .7 miles and arrive at the trail on the right.