The Soapstone Lake Trailhead lies in the Clatsop State Forest on the west slopes of the Oregon Coastal Mountains.

The hike to the lake is a joy – – – three miles roundtrip with under 500 feet of elevation gain.

Easily visible from the trail are a few huge stumps, a reminder of the logging operations of a century ago. I’m always amazed at the very tough logging conditions that existed in the Coastal Mountains. It is truly classic dense rainforest with very steep contours.

But, this day I had the trail and lake to myself, except for several noisy ravens.

Sometimes the easiest hikes are the best.

Soapstone Lake

Pleasant stretch of trail

Moss and lichen decorating the trees

Autumn mushrooms

Large stump from a decades’old logging operation

The outlet of Soapstone Lake

Near the trailhead