Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Trail #274 Blue Lake Hiker
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 hiker use only.
This 2.5 mile trail follows a deep canyon along Blue Lake Creek, which was formed in part to melting glaciers thousands of years ago. The 250 foot wall of columnar basalt was formed by volcanic eruptions beneath a glacier.
The trail climbs steeply in some areas, with rock steps built in to make the climb easier. There are two foot bridges crossing the creek before the trail ends at Blue Lake. The trail is challenging and includes steep side slopes, cliff exposures, and rock stairways.
The access road to this trailhead is steep and narrow.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | 7/5/23: Trail is clear of snow. Logs at lake shore make accessing lake a little challenging. |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: | This trail is open to hiker use only and is closed to all other uses. |
| Closest Towns: | Randle, WA; Packwood WA |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Cowlitz Valley Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:Blue Lake Hiker Trailhead at the end of Forest Road 2300.171a.
Activities
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:The canyon this trail follows was formed with the help of melting glaciers thousands of years ago. The 250-foot rock wall of columnar basalt was formed by volcanic eruptions beneath a glacier. The basalt flow was cooled quickly by the melting glacier. The trail climbs steeply in some areas, with rock steps built in to make the going easier. There are two foot bridges crossing the creek before the trail ends at Blue Lake.