An interesting hiking trip. This 12 mile loop hike is low elevation,
but the trail has enough up and downs for a total elevation gain of 1150 feet.
The trailhead is at the Coho Campground on the south end of Wynooche Lake. We parked at the day use are, and were happy to have the trail end here for a dip in the lake at the end of the day.
We headed up the trail on the west side of the lake.
Below: This was one of the better sections of the trail.
We spent much time climbing over, under and around downed trees.
In some sections, the brush was so overgrown, we couldn't see our legs while walking.
There were lots of wildflowers and abundant Huckleberries, wild blueberries and salmon berries along the trail. I don't think any hikers had been on this trail for a long time.
We were careful not to get caught up the abundant Devil's Club
Near the north end of the lake, the trail opens up for a gorgeous view of the foothills and southern Olympic Mountains. Seeing where the Wynooche River enters the lake, we were hoping the river would be shallow enough to ford. Otherwise, our choices would be to return the way we came
or hike an additional 2 miles north to a bridge crossing.
The river was deeper than we wanted, it would have been up to our mid thighs.
We were fortunate, a passing boat stopped and gave us a ride across.
The trail on the east side of the lake was in not much better condition. There were abundant tall cedar trees to keep us cool. About 3 miles from the south end of the lake there are some national forest campgrounds, so the trail was much improved those last 3 miles.
View looking toward the Olympics from the south end of Lake Wynoochee:
The dam that makes the lake possible:
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