Here is another little hike that is rich in rewards with very little effort. The hike begins at a trail head just off Forest Road 83. The trail actually follows an old road for much of the way.

On a clear day the views of Mt St Helens from this hike are spectacular. In season the flowers along the way are great. But the reward is the beautiful little June Lake, and the June Lake Falls. The hike is never very steep, and there is a excellent bridge that crosses the stream that comes out of June Lake.

This trail is also used as a winter approach to climbing Mt St Helens. Because of the low elevation of the trail head, climbs use this location to climb Mt St Helens when they can not reach the established start point of Climbers Bivouac.

When you arrive at June Lake, you might be surprised as to how small the lake is. But this the waterfall right behind the lake, and with the beautiful setting of the lake, this hike is well worth it.

June Lake

From Woodland, WA
From the junction with I-5 follow SR503 east from Woodland, WA approximately 23 miles to the junction of the Lewis River Road with SR503. Continue east on the Lewis River Road another 4.4 miles to the junction of Forest Road 81 just before you get to Cougar. Continue east through Cougar on the Lewis River Road, which becomes Forest Road 90, for about 7.4 miles to the junction of Forest Roads 90 and 83. Turn left on FR83. In about 1.7 miles you will pass the road that leads to the Ape Caves, but continue north on FR83. In another 1.3 miles you will come to the junction to Forest Road 81. Continue on FR83 for another 3.8 miles you will come to the parking area for the June Lake hike.