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Trail #271 Blue Lake Ridge
Blue Lake Area General map in the Cowlitz Valley Vicinity. Sites include: Adams Fork Campground, Bishop Ridge Trail #272, Blue Lake Butte Trail #119, Blue Lake Creek Campground, Blue Lake Hiker Trail #274, Blue Lake Ridge Trail #271, Cat Creek Campground, Hamilton Buttes Trail #118, Hamilton Peak Trail #109, North Fork Trail #122, and the River Trail #131.
This trail is open to motorcycle, ATV, hiker, bicycle, and horse use.
This 11.7 mile multiple use trail climbs steadily through conifer forests and has heavy use. A short section of the trail above Blue Lake is "Hiker Only" to minimize noise near the lake.
Blue Lake Ridge Trail leaves the trailhead on Forest Road 23 and crosses several roads before coming to Blue Lake (at mile 3). The trail proceeds along a rolling ridge, passing by Mouse Lake before descending to Valley Trail #270.
A short section of the trail above Blue Lake is "Hiker Only" to minimize noise near the lake. Other users must use Jumpoff Trail #271A and Bishop Ridge Trail #272 to continue the loop. Blue Lake is at the headwaters of Blue Lake Creek.
The lake was most likely created when a stream was dammed by lava flows from the Blue Lake Volcano, a cinder cone rising immediately west of the lake.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | 5/17/23: Snow drifts start approximately 2 miles beyond trailhead. Thick snow covering trail beyond this point makes navigation of this trail hazardous to continue. |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Light-Medium |
| Closest Towns: | Randle, WA; Packwood WA |
| Passes: | A valid Recreation Pass is required at trailhead. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Cowlitz Valley Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:Activities
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:A short section of the trail above Blue Lake is "Hiker Only" to minimize noise near the lake. Other users must use Jumpoff Trail #271A and Bishop Ridge Trail #272 to continue the loop.
Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:OHV Trail Riding
Recreation areas with activity OHV Trail Riding:This trail has been reconstructed to ATV standards.
Alerts & Warnings
- Delays on Forest Road 2324
- Open/Closed Rec Sites: Williams Mine Fire Area
- Williams Mine Fire: Area and Road Closure
- Fire Restrictions
- Forest Road 23 is CLOSED as a Through-Route Due to Williams Mine Fire
- Forest Road 25 Remains Closed as Through-Route Due to Significant Slide
- Upper State Route 504 closed at milepost 45.2 due to large slide
- Current Office Hours