Soapstone Lake-
-1.5 miles (plus a .9 mile loop around the lake)
-Elevation gain 250 Feet
-Clatsop State Forest-Soapstone Lake
Directions: Highway 26 west to Highway 53, head south 4.8 miles and turn left on gravel road signed-Soapstone Trailhead. Follow gravel road to trail head.
- Trail Head
I was looking for a good overnighter trip for my wife and 9 year-old son. With temperatures hot all last week, baking the cascades, we decided to head for the coast range. I had read about Soapstone Lake a few years ago and forgot about. In short, this is a GREAT family entry level backpacking trip. The trip is about an hour from Portland, it offers a short hike with brutal elevation changes, it provides a mild coast climate and it has a lake. This was my sons 2nd backpacking trip, last year we took him to Veda Lake, and this was a good follow-up. He is now asking for a multiday trip, I think I did my job by breaking him the right way.
We took our time leaving home, realizing that we had a short drive and short hike. We left the house at 11am, had lunch at Camp 18, and then hit the trail by 1:30pm.
The trail meanders through quite a bit of trees blown down from the 2007 wind storm. Much of it is in the process of being logged or has been logged recently with new tree plantings evident as well. The rolling hills through the blow down area are soon replaced by a cool moist coastal forest walk. You pass over several simple bridges, walk through meadows full of waist high grasses and flowers until you reach Soapstone Creek. Soapstone creek is bridged by a cool looking V-type trail bridge and has several shaded pools in the creek which look quite inviting. After the bridge the trail begins to climb. A large hill with exposed tree roots is soon replaced by railroad tie type steps as you gain a wee bit of elevation surrounded by old Douglas Firs. The trail soon comes to a “T” type junction which circles around the lake.
- Soapstone Lake Glimpse
- Soapstone Lake
- Steps
There are two to three different campsites at this serene little lake. Two of the sites are to the right of the “T” and one is on the water near a beach outcropping on the lake. Floating logs crowd the western end of the lake near the outlet, a beaver den on the northern side of the lake and a swampy skunk cabbage marsh makes up the eastern end of the lake. We chose the first campsite to the right of the “T.” which is a ways above the lake, but my thoughts were that it would be less buggy and the lake would be less of a temptation for my Golden Retriever, Gus.
The lake offers lots of safe for the kids with a swimming/fishing area on the small beach area, newt racing with a few of the lakes 100,000 rough skin newts or rock skipping. My 9 year old did all of the above and had a grand time. Be forewarned though…. The lake is a soft muddy bottom and the kids will get muddy!
- Newts
- Fell in the lake...
The water in the lake is a bit low right now, and the creek flowing in to the lake is but a trickle. The water in the lake is warm and full of newts and fish. I have a Steri-pen and filter and was sure drinking from the lake would be fine, but decided against it after my wife’s very vocal protest. The best water source is about .5 miles back down the trail (towards the car) at Soapstone creek, where the trail crosses a fast flowing creek.
- V-Log Bridge- Noted Water Source
In all, this was a great chance to spend time with family outdoors. If you are looking for a short jaunt for the family or a new place to enjoy, Soapstone Lake out in the coast range would be a great pick!
- Soapstone Lake
Map Here:
http://cms.oregon.gov/odf/field/astoria ... ailmap.pdf
