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Recreation Region: Cowlitz Valley Area

Trail #116 High Lakes

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 Horsehoe 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.

See High Lakes Area map 

Current Conditions
6/11/2025: For more information contact the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District (360) 497-1100.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

116

General Information

Low elevation trails typically melt out by mid-May. High elevation trails typically melt out by mid-July.  Snow may persist in spots on north facing slopes. There may be downed trees, washouts, and/or landslides on trails. Carrying mosquito repellent is advisable. Backcountry creeks and streams may dry out so plan ahead in case you need to bring in water.  Recreating in burned areas poses greater risks. See safety tips for burned areas. Please assist in reporting wildfires by calling 911 or Columbia Dispatch at (360) 891-5140.  Sign up for emergency alerts by county. 

Skamania County; Lewis County; Cowlitz County

No

The section of trail east of Horseshoe Lake Campground is closed to motorcycles. Entire trail is closed to ATV use.

Getting There

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.

Additional Information

Operated By

Forest Service

Nearby Recreation Sites

Recreation Opportunities

OHV Trail RidingOHV Trail Riding

Last updated August 5th, 2025