Placid Lake Trail is located in the Southern Washington Cascades within the Indian Heaven Wilderness. It’s approximately two hours from Portland, Oregon and connects with the Pacific Crest Trail. Known for fall color and huckleberries, this trail brings you to Lake Placid in the first half mile of the trail.
Trail Stats:
- 5.9 miles out and back.
- Elevation Gain: 1,012 feet
- Elevation Loss: 1,025 feet
- Max Elevation: 5,000 feet
- Difficulty: Challenging due to remoteness and cliff.
↗ What does this mean? - Footing: Single track dirt.
- Hoof Protection: Barefoot OK if not sensitive.
- Author Notes: We hit ground hornets 4-5 times before arriving at the PCT for an ultralight pack trip in October 2023. A large hive was on the far side of the cliff resulting in an emergency dismount on the cliff, with Moqui nearly going over the edge. We hiked out due to the bees. When camped at the trailhead that night we had very strange vibes and cars driving down the dead end road after midnight. We also had a run in with a strange man shooting his gun off in the woods at Lake Placid.
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Facilities: None. Dispersed site at trailhead with trees to highline, picnic table and tent area.
Water Sources: None at trailhead. Placid Lake is closest source.
Trail Info: Follow Placid Lake Trail for 0.5 miles to arrive at Lake Placid. Continue on the trail for 2.4 miles to arrive at the Pacific Crest Trail junction. Rocky cliff is 0.5 miles before the PCT. The remainder of the trail is simple. Continue on the PCT to visit more lakes or return the way you came.
Trail Challenges: Ground hornets in late summer-fall, mosquitos in early season, and one cliff edge.
Permits: Self-issue wilderness permit.
Backcountry Sites: Yes – on the Pacific Crest Trail, possibly at Lake Placid but there’s no grazing. If you have additional backcountry camping info please email adventure.equines@gmail.com
Cell Service: None.
Fuel: Texaco – 11 Carson Frontage Rd, Carson, WA 98610
GPX File:
WHT: Placid Lake Trail
Maintained By: Unknown.
Directions: From Carson, WA take Wind River Road/Forest Road 30 north for about 31 miles. Then turn right onto the 420 spur road and follow for about a mile to Placid Lake Trailhead.
Road Conditions: Gravel with moderate pot holes. Passable with a trailer if going slow.
Resources:
Map:
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