An Enjoyable Hike to Soapstone Lake in the Coastal Mountains

By John CarrMay 7, 2020

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Soapstone Lake

With the weatherman’s promise of some sunshine before the storms moved in again, I drove to the Soapstone Lake Trailhead in the Clatsop State Forest in late April. It was a relatively easy hike – – – 3 1/2 miles roundtrip with 500 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. But, the lake’s outlet footbridge had been closed so I had to backtrack around the lake. I didn’t view it as a chore.

A stormy day at Soapstone Lake

The area is classic rain forest habitat. There were many stumps, some 10-12 feet across, from logging in the early 1900’s. It always brings the Stamper family to mind.

There were a few newts out on the trail and a couple of ducks on the lake. It is such a pleasant spot that I always think it should be called Serenity Lake.

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