Wynoochee Lakeshore Trail is a 13 or 16.5 mile loop depending on whether you decide to ford the river or follow the trail the extra 2 miles each way to the bridge. There's lots of smooth single track
Wynoochee Lakeshore Trail is a 13 or 16.5 mile loop depending on whether you decide to ford the river or follow the trail the extra 2 miles each way to the bridge. There's lots of smooth single track here reminicent of the Lewis River Trail but also lots of ups and downs, excessive brush, and washouts. It's pretty much in the middle of nowhere and should be considered a real adventure trail. That said, there is a campground and swimming beach at the lake and logging roads close by to most of the trail. Thing is, people boat and swim here but don't hike more than the first few miles of the trail in each direction from the campground.
How to Find It
Get to Olympia and take highway 8 which becomes route 12. Exit route 12 at Montesano. From here, figure on an hour of driving the next 36 miles to the lake. Drive towards town and take a left on Pioneer. After about a mile, look for and take Wynoochee Road on the right. This windy road (#22) was paved in 2010 all the way to the lake. On weekdays logging trucks rule -- be ready to give way. Follow signs to Wynoochee Lake/Dam by taking a left on 2294 within a few miles of the lake. Park in the picnic/swimming area near the dam.
Typical Conditions
This trail has a little of everything. Much like the Lewis River trail, it has lots of ups and down getting around creeks flowing into the lake. It is hard to get current info on most of the trail. You can try this link: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/olympic/recreation#cond or call (360) 765-2200. The west side is slightly more rugged than the east but both have lots of fast and smooth sections.
Local Points of Interest
Water is available at the picnic area. There is a campground here as well (Coho Campground). You can do the entire loop right from your campsite.
Lots of people do the first side of the ride (about 6 miles) as an out and back.
Historical Information:
- HistoryLink.org: Tacoma City Light taps Wynoochee River for power in 1994
- HistoryLink.org: Wild Man of the Wynoochee A good read before heading out into the woods.
Advocacy & Stewardship
WTA has been doing trail work now and then but seems to be concentrating on the parts nearest the campground.
Turn by Turn
Cross over the dam and find the start of the trail. This first section has some ups and downs but also some wonderful smooth 2nd growth forest riding. When you hit a logging road go straight looking for the trail to continue. At about 6 miles you hit a jeep road and follow it for 100 feet or so and it becomes the trail again. At 6.6 you will have a chance to cross the river (you'll have to ford it here) or continue 2 more miles to a concrete bridge. If you decide to ford the river, look for trail tape across the creek - it can be hard to find. If you can't find it marked -- after crossing just start crashing straight thru the brush until you hit the trail (I would do this without the bikes until you connect with the trail). If you cross the bridge, look for the trail to loop back on the other side.
This west side is rougher than the east side. More ups and downs, more brush, and at least one push and carry workaround to a big slide. When you reach an old logging road just follow it until you see "trail" signs. The last few miles to the campground are smooth and fast. Go through the campground and back to your car. Now it's time to get into that bathing suit and go swimming!
