Soda Peaks Lake 16-Sep-09

[VanMarmot]

I enjoy the Soda Peaks Lake trail in the Trapper Creek Wilderness because it provides access to a delightful area without the committment of a full day of hiking. It's also a great introductory hike for the area. Last time I parked at the Observation Peak trailhead and worked my way across Trapper Creek on the remains of the bridge. This time I started at Bubbling Mike Spring, which avoids the bridge and is 1.8 mi RT shorter. The trail from the Spring along the creek washed out a few years ago but has been reconstituted into easy passability (if not actually re-built & re-aligned). The trail that climbs to the lake is in excellent shape all the way (which was not the case a few years back when it's lower reaches were blocked by several large fallen trees).

The weather was clear, calm, and warm and the lake as charming as ever.

This hike doesn't offer the views that you'd get from Observation Peak but there's one spot where you can see out to Hood.

All in all, another good day in the woods (as opposed to being in my cubicle).

[fettster]

Did you run into any of the locals who claim that trail is in a decrepit state and requires 6 fords of the creek?

[VanMarmot]

Did you run into any of the locals who claim that trail is in a decrepit state and requires 6 fords of the creek?

No, I've never had to ford the creek (but there were some dodgy moves when the old bridge was removed). The trail from the Springs isn't great but it's easy to follow. If you wanted to start from the Observation Peak trailhead, I believe that the bridge has now been either repaired or replaced.

[fettster]

Yeah we didn't either when we were there in June. Some folks just don't like all the hikers passing by I guess.

I like how Sparklehorse described this wilderness: "Stingy on the views."

[airdrum]

Glad to hear the trail is in good shape, this one is a candidate for my kayak if I can ever convert a backpack to carry it, but I am certainly in need of a good trail if I decide to haul that thing! Great shots of the lake, bummer there are no views there but it always looks peaceful in every photo I see