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Iron Creek Campground Loop

South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
46.4291, -121.9878 Map & Directions
Length
1.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
0 feet
Highest Point
1,200 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Easy
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Established campsites
  • Old growth
  • Good for kids
  • Fall foliage
  • Rivers

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass
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Lose yourself amid ancient giants on this 1.5 mile flat loop around the Iron Creek Campground. Continue reading

Rating
3.00 out of 5

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Hiking Iron Creek Campground Loop

The 1.5 mile Iron Creek Campground Loop Trail is a universal, barrier-free trail with a very moderate grade, great for a stroll from the campground or for strollers or wheelchairs.

The trail can be accessed from various locations in the Iron Creek Campground and from Iron Creek Picnic Area.

The first half of this trail follows the beautiful, crystal-clear Cispus River. There are occasional benches and turnouts to rest and listen to the sounds of the forest and river. There's even the remains of an old railroad trestle over the riverbed.

The trail leaves the river on the northwest corner of the loop through magnificent stands of old-growth Douglas-fir and western redcedar. There are a few hemlock and hardwood trees just to make it interesting. The trail connects with the 0.3 mile, signed Iron Creek Oldgrowth Trail 87 at the Iron Creek Picnic Area.

As with any loop, this can be hiked in either direction. If you're hiking clockwise, there is a semi-confusing intersection where the trail turns away from the river. Be sure and turn inland at a Y intersection; two logs with wooden arrows mark this junction. (If you're coming counter-clockwise, this junction will be near the start of your hike.)

Wheelchair Accessibility

This trail is accessed from the Iron Creek Campground. Maintenance is infrequent and brush or downed trees may make it difficult for wheelchair users to complete the loop.

Hike Description Written by
Anna Roth, WTA Staff

Iron Creek Campground Loop

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 46.4291, -121.9878 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

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Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From Packwood, follow Hwy 12 west to Randle. At the stoplight turn south on SR 131 which becomes Forest Service Road 23/25. Cross the bridge just outside town, and bear right at the next fork in the road. Follow Road 25 to the Iron Creek Camp area, about 11 miles from the road fork.

There are two trails here. The Iron Creek Campground Trail loops around the perimeter of four camping areas. The picnic area serves as the primary trailhead for both trails. Facilities include water and restrooms, all barrier-free. The picnic area is open year-round.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley

Iron Creek Campground (#187)

Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Cowlitz Valley Ranger District

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Iron Creek Campground Loop

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