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Soapstone Lake

With the weatherman’s promise of sunshine, I drove to the Soapstone Lake Trailhead in the Clatsop State Forest in mid-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.

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 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.

Stream Violet and Wood Sorrel

Huge nursery stumps along the trail

Trillium, Iris and Trillium