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Soapstone Lake

With the weatherman’s promise of no respite from the fall rains, I drove to the Soapstone Lake Trailhead in the Clatsop State Forest in early autumn. It is a relatively easy hike – – – three miles roundtrip with 475 feet of elevation gain.

The area lies on the west side of the Coastal Mountains about 13 miles from Seaside. It’s a fairly new trail in good shape with four footbridges.

The area is classic rain forest habitat. It only seemed fitting that it rained the entire time I was hiking. There were many stumps, some 10-12 feet across, from logging in early 1900’s. It always brings the Stamper’s to mind.

Upon reaching the far side of the Lake, I found a somewhat dry place to take some photos and eat a snack.

On the way back I marveled at grit and capabilities of the early 20th century loggers. In the hostile environment of the Coastal Mountains, their job was extremely difficult and dangerous. Amazing!