Take a trip to a seldom-seen part of the South Cascades. The approach from the west begins with a walk through a flat wooded meadow. Shortly after winding through this area, the trail begins climbing steeply 700 feet to a ridgeline. Catch your breath here and gaze at Mount Hood, Indian Heaven, and your destination, all visible from the ridgeline.
As so many hikes to lake basins do, the trail begins descending roughly a quarter-mile after gaining the ridgeline. You'll lose nearly all the elevation you just gained as you descend to the lake. It's just 2.2 miles to the lake from the western approach, with about 1270 feet of elevation gain.
The lake also used to be accessible from the Government Mineral Springs, but due to trail damage, the way is nearly impossible to navigate. Instead, go to the Trapper Creek trailhead and follow Trapper Creek Trail 192 for about 1.8 miles to the junction with Trail 133.
The lake is subalpine, still with snow on its western shores in early summer. It is a lovely little lake, very quiet, with fish, clear water, and several nice campsites around the shores. The views to Mount Adams and the Goat Rocks remain mostly obscured by trees, but the lake itself is the treat.
There is a large bridge over Trapper Creek on the 133 trail, but hikers will have to cross the creek on Trail 192, at the junction with Trail 132. This crossing is typically easy by April, but it's wise to travel with hiking poles to add stability.
WTA Pro Tip: Overnighters, take note of where you drop your pack. While camping sites are available around Soda Peaks Lake, some areas have been designated as day use areas. Please be sure to keep these areas clear for day hikers to enjoy the destination.
Soda Peaks Lake
45.8810,
-121.9806
Map & Directions
-
Length
- 9.76 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,874 feet
-
Highest Point
- 3,700 feet
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
Northwest Forest Pass
There are two ways to reach Soda Peak Lake, a beautiful sub-alpine lake in an old growth forest. This approach is from the Trapper Creek trailhead to the east. It's a tough hike to a serene location, with plenty of secluded camps.
Continue reading
Hiking Soda Peaks Lake
WTA worked here in 2017!
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Before You Go
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
Northwest Forest PassWTA 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
For the western trailhead: From Vancouver, take I-205 to Hwy 503. Head east on 503 until you reach the small town of Chelatchie. Take a right on NE Healy Road and follow it as it parallels Canyon Creek. At the national forest boundary, there is a fork in the road. Take the right fork and turn onto FR 54. Stay on this winding, sometimes bumpy road until the junction with FR 5407, the first pavement after many miles of gravel. The trailhead is at across the road to the left, with a wilderness information sign and a wilderness self-issue permit box.
To the eastern trailhead: From Stevenson, head east on Hwy 14 and after 3 miles, turn left onto Wind River Road. Proceed about 14.5 miles and turn left onto FR 3065, signed for Mineral Springs Road. Shortly after, turn right onto Little Soda Springs Road, and continue to the fork. Turn left onto NF-5401 and the Trapper Creek trailhead should be immediately on your right.
Print
Email
