Soapstone Lake

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

Umbrella Falls

Before parking at the trailhead, I took a quick detour to the North Fork Nehalem River Hatchery. A short hike led to Umbrella Falls, always impressive in the springtime. 

I then backtracked, returning to the Soapstone Lake Trailhead. 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.

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. Amazing!