Little lakes are hiding in the Clatsop State Forest

Peak Northwest

Forget everything that comes to mind when you think about “a day at the lake” – these spots aren’t it.

That doesn’t mean the little lakes of the Clatsop State Forest, found on the north end of Oregon’s Coast Range, aren’t worth checking out. Despite lacking amenities and featuring little in the way of actual water, they nonetheless make interesting attractions for year-round hiking between Portland and the coast.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we talk about where and how to find spots like Soapstone Lake and Spruce Run Lake, places that may offer little to fishers, boaters and sunbathers, and instead exist as quiet little attractions tucked into the timberlands.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• Where do you find this concentration of little lakes?
• Bloom Lake is easily accessible, right off the highway.
• Lost Lake might be the only spot here that can rightfully be considered a “lake”.
• At Soapstone Lake you’ll likely see more newts than people.
• To get to Spruce Run Lake, you need to tackle a steep little trail through the timberlands.

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-- Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor

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