Sometimes It's Just About a Workout: Soda Peaks Lake Trail
Details
Sunday's weather is looking much better than Saturday so let's get some exercise in with a hike to Soda Peaks Lake. This hike is in the Trapper Creek Area of Gifford Pinchot. We should not hit any snow but if there is any, it will be minimal.
To be honest, this hike is a steady slog up to a mountain lake. We are in trees with no views the entire time. The lake itself is pretty. :) We have about 3000 feet of elevation gain with a total round trip of 10 miles. We start at the Trapper Creek TH and connect to Soda Peaks Lake Trail, where we begin our climb. This is an out and back hike. There will be some fall foliage along the way, more so on Trapper Creek Trail.
We can have a bite to eat up at the lake. There is a user trail around the lake which goes up higher, but the views are not impressive. So why would I do this? It's about getting fresh air, with some exercise, in the company of other like-minded individuals!
Please do not sign up for this if you must be back at a specific time, although I do not anticipate it running very late at all.
***** Remember Sunday is Daylight savings time so set your clocks back one hour on Saturday! *****
The Trail:
Soda Peaks Lake Trail, Washington - 266 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Weather:
Soda Peaks Weather Forecast | TrekWeather
Distance: 10 miles
Elevation: 3000 ft.
Difficulty: Difficult
Driving distance: 117 miles RT
Meeting Point: Gateway Transit Center
Pass Required: NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful
Carpooling: we will plan to carpool from Gateway Transit Center on Sunday. I will drive and may need help from another volunteer driver if we have a full group. We ask that you pay your driver 10 cents per mile for gas money. No one will be turned away if they are unable to pay.
Hiking Style:
My pace is between 2-3 mph, depending on trail conditions, steepness. Please make sure you are able to keep this pace range before signing up. We will have time for water/snack breaks, picture breaks, and a stop for a snack at the lake. Safety is always a priority so if you leave the group without telling anyone, you are on your own.
Please make sure you bring the ten essentials below:
Ten Essentials — Washington Trails Association