Bluff Lake Trail to Lost Lake Lookout
This trail climbs east through forests of hemlock to tree-lined Bluff Lake. From there it climbs to a sub alpine landscape along the ridgeline of Coal Creek Mountain where Mt. Rainier makes its presence along the trail. Along this ridgeline the trail flattens as you walk among meadows of asters, mountain ash, spiraea, and huckleberries. After passing the meadow the trail again climbs up Coal Creek Mountain as the timber becomes more alpine and Johnson Peak comes into view.
Pause a moment to think about the Native American mountain goat hunters that used this ridge system so many years ago. Enjoy the bear grass, lupine and colombine surrounding you. Now that you are six miles into the hike, the trail forks - continue right. Soon another flower-filled ridgetop awaits you as you climb further still. See Mt. St. Helens to your right. Soon you arrive at the junction of Clear Lost Trail 76 and Packwood Lake Trail 78, the official end of the Bluff Lake Trail. But don't let that stop you -- you are almost to the Lost Lake Lookout site and the best views await you there!
Just 0.1 miles to the abandoned lookout. From here see Mt. Rainier and the jagged peaks of the Goat Rocks. Far below you is the White Pass Highway as well as the White Pass Ski Area. View Coyote Lake below you, and see Mount Adams and far in the distance, Mount Hood.
The Bluff Lake Trail is a moderate 15.2 mile round-trip hike with elevation ranging from 2840 to 6350 feet. The trail is accessible mid-July through September. The trailhead is located off of Forest Road 4612.
