High Lakes Trail #116

The High Lakes Trail #116 is a 15 km point-to-point trail in Washington's Gifford Pinchot National Forest, United States, gaining approximately 410 m of elevation through the volcanic South Cascades near Mount Adams. Rated moderate, this historic route threads past a chain of high-elevation alpine lakes, through meadows dense with wildflowers and huckleberries, and across ancient lava flows with sweeping views of one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic stratovolcanoes.

About the High Lakes Trail #116

High Lakes Trail #116 runs entirely within Gifford Pinchot National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service in southwestern Washington State. The trail begins near Olallie Lake at the Chain of Lakes trailhead off Forest Road 5601, at roughly 1,300 m elevation, and travels east through a landscape shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity from Mount Adams — the second-highest peak in Washington at 3,742 m.

The name says it all: this trail is defined by its lakes. From the interconnected ponds at Chain of Lakes to the horseshoe-shaped basin of Horseshoe Lake, water is a constant companion. The route passes through conifer forest, open subalpine meadows, and volcanic rock fields, with frequent clearings that frame Mount Adams to the north. Historically, the Yakama people traveled this same corridor each late summer to harvest huckleberries — a tradition that makes the trail culturally significant as well as scenically spectacular.

The 15 km distance and 410 m cumulative elevation gain make this accessible for fit day hikers and ideal for one or two nights of backpacking. A Northwest Forest Pass is required at the trailhead. The eastern section of the trail, past Horseshoe Lake Campground, is closed to motorcycles, but the full trail is open to foot traffic, mountain bikes on permitted sections, and horses.

Planning your food for the trail? Our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day will help you get your nutrition right before you head out.

Route Overview & Stages

High Lakes Trail #116 runs east-west as a one-way point-to-point route, with the western trailhead at Chain of Lakes and the eastern terminus at Forest Road 2329. Most hikers shuttle a vehicle or arrange a pickup at the eastern end. The trail divides naturally into five stages by terrain and key landmarks.

The steepest single section is the climb out of Adams Creek Canyon toward Horseshoe Lake — a short but sharp 150 m gain over roughly 1.5 km. Elsewhere the trail undulates gently through forest and meadow with no sustained technical climbing.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Chain of Lakes — A cluster of small interconnected alpine ponds fringed by silver fir and mountain hemlock, reflecting the blue sky and, on clear days, the glaciated summit of Mount Adams. This is the scenic heart of the trail's western half.
• Olallie Lake Trailhead Area — “Olallie” is Chinook Jargon for “berry,” a fitting name for a trail that passes through some of the richest huckleberry habitat in the South Cascades. In late August the bushes are heavily laden with fruit.
• Ancient Lava Flows — Between Chain of Lakes and Adams Creek, the trail crosses remnant basalt flows from past Mount Adams eruptions. The fractured, lichen-covered rock creates an otherworldly landscape entirely unlike the forested sections.
• Mount Adams Viewpoint (~1,332 m) — Several open ridgeline clearings offer unobstructed 180-degree views of Mount Adams (3,742 m) and, on clear days, Mount Rainier (4,392 m) to the north — two of the five major Cascade stratovolcanoes visible in a single frame.
• Adams Creek Canyon — The most dramatic terrain feature on the trail: a cold, swift mountain creek carved through volcanic rock. Early-season hikers may need to ford thigh-deep water; by August the crossing is typically knee-deep or less.
• Yakama Berry Grounds — From Adams Creek to Horseshoe Lake, the trail passes through terrain the Yakama Nation historically used for late-summer huckleberry harvests, a tradition stretching back centuries and adding genuine cultural depth to the walk.
• Horseshoe Lake Campground — The natural overnight stop for backpackers: a sheltered campsite on Horseshoe Lake's eastern shore with vault toilet and direct lake access. Stargazing here is exceptional on moonless nights far from city light pollution.
• Killen Creek Meadows — Just north of the trail's eastern section, open subalpine meadows frame close-up views of the Adams Glacier and Wilson Glacier on Mount Adams' north face — among the most accessible near-glacier views in all of Washington.

Best Time to Hike the High Lakes Trail #116

The trail is accessible from approximately mid-July through mid-October, though conditions vary significantly by month. As of 2026, the Forest Service recommends checking road conditions on FR 23 and the spur roads before departure, as snow can persist at elevation well into early July.

July — The trail typically opens in mid-July once snowpack clears. Wildflowers peak in the first two weeks: Indian paintbrush, lupine, and bistort carpet the meadows. Adams Creek runs high and cold from snowmelt, making the ford challenging and, in some years, impassable without wading gear.

August — The single best month to hike High Lakes Trail #116. Creek crossings drop to manageable levels, huckleberries ripen throughout the route, weather is most stable, and afternoon thunderstorms are infrequent. Visibility to Mount Adams and Mount Rainier is typically at its clearest. Arrive early on weekends to secure a campsite at Horseshoe Lake.

September — An excellent alternative to August. Crowds thin noticeably after Labor Day, huckleberries are still plentiful in less-trafficked sections, and the berry shrubs turn vivid red and gold. Nighttime temperatures near the lakes drop sharply — expect 0–5 °C — so carry a sleeping bag rated to at least −5 °C.

October — The upper sections can see early snowfall by mid-October. Autumn forest colors are spectacular, but short days and unpredictable weather require experience and proper cold-weather gear.

Practical Information

Accommodation

There are no backcountry huts or lodges on or directly adjacent to High Lakes Trail #116. All overnight options are campsite-based:

• Horseshoe Lake Campground — The primary overnight option for trail hikers, located at approximately the 10 km mark. Primitive sites with vault toilet; no reservations required. Covered by the Northwest Forest Pass (≈ €4.60/day or €27.50/annual).
• Killen Creek Campground — Located near the eastern terminus. Established sites with vault toilets at approximately $20–25/night (≈ €18–23). Fills quickly on summer weekends; arrive by Friday afternoon to guarantee a spot.
• Dispersed camping — Permitted at least 60 m from water sources and trails throughout Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Leave No Trace principles apply strictly in this high-use area.
• Trout Lake lodging — The nearest town, 25 km south, has small guesthouses and vacation rentals, typically €80–140/night in summer. A practical base for tackling the trail as a day hike.

Getting There & Back

• From Portland International Airport (PDX) — the nearest major gateway, 180 km south — drive north on I-205 to WA-14 east, then north on WA-141 to Trout Lake. From Trout Lake, take FR 23 north for 39 km (paved), then FR 5601 west for 6.8 km (gravel) to the Chain of Lakes trailhead. Total drive time: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
• From Yakima (YKM regional airport), 130 km northeast, drive west on US-12 and south to meet FR 23 near Randle, then south toward the trailhead. Total drive time: approximately 2 hours.
• There is no public transport to the trailhead. The gravel FR 5601 is passable in a standard sedan during dry summer conditions, but a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Check current road status with the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District before departure.
• For the point-to-point format, position one vehicle at the FR 2329 eastern terminus near Keenes Horse Camp before driving to the Chain of Lakes western trailhead to begin.

Permits & Fees

A Northwest Forest Pass is required at all fee trailheads along High Lakes Trail #116. As of 2026 pricing:

• Day-use pass: $5 per vehicle (≈ €4.60)
• Annual Northwest Forest Pass: $30 (≈ €27.50)
• America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass: $80 (≈ €74) — covers all Federal recreation fee areas including National Parks

No quota permit, advance reservation, or campfire permit is required for most of the trail corridor. Campfire restrictions are frequently imposed during dry periods in July–September. Check current conditions with the Washington Trails Association or the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District before your trip.

Gear & Packing List

High Lakes Trail #116 rewards smart packing. The choice between a day hike and a one- or two-night backpack determines your pack size more than anything else.

• Pack (day hike): A 20 L vest-style or frameless pack handles a full-day load on this trail comfortably. The Salomon ADV Skin 20 keeps weight minimal while managing water, layers, food, and an emergency kit for the 15 km distance.
• Pack (overnight): For one or two nights at Horseshoe Lake, 50–65 L of capacity is appropriate. The Osprey Aether 65 handles heavier loads on the rocky lava-field sections with excellent lumbar support. Ultralight hikers should consider the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L — at approximately 510 g it dramatically cuts base weight without sacrificing load-carrying on a trail where the terrain does not demand a rigid frame. See our roundup of the best ultralight backpacks for 2026 for a full side-by-side comparison.
• Footwear: Trail runners with good drainage are ideal given the Adams Creek ford. Waterproof membranes help in early season but become a liability when fording — wet feet dry faster in mesh uppers.
• Water treatment: All water sources should be filtered. Lake water can develop algae blooms in hot August weather; a squeeze filter or pump filter handles volume faster than a UV purifier.
• Layering system: Temperatures drop sharply at elevation after sunset even in August. Pack a mid-layer fleece, a lightweight wind shell, and a 100 g insulated jacket for evenings at Horseshoe Lake.
• Bear canister or hang kit: Black bears are active in berry-rich terrain around Horseshoe Lake. A bear canister is strongly recommended for overnight stays — hanging is difficult given the tree structure near the lakeshore.
• Navigation: Cell signal is absent throughout the trail. Download offline topo maps before leaving and carry a printed backup; the lava-flow sections and forested canyon can be disorienting in low visibility or fog.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the alpine lake scenery and volcanic terrain of High Lakes Trail #116 appeal to you, the American West offers compelling alternatives at every scale. The canyon-to-rim drama of the Grand Canyon makes the South Kaibab Trail and the North Kaibab Trail an unforgettable combination — together they form the classic rim-to-rim corridor. For granite panoramas with far fewer crowds than Half Dome, the Clouds Rest Trail in Yosemite delivers. Panorama Trail offers a shorter but scenically rich Yosemite loop. And for vertical drama in a compact package, Hidden Canyon in Zion National Park delivers slot-canyon scale in under 5 km.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to hike the High Lakes Trail #116?
August is the single best month. The Adams Creek ford is at its safest level, huckleberries are ripe along the entire route, and weather windows are longest and most stable. July is excellent for wildflowers but the creek ford runs dangerously high. September brings autumn colors and thinner crowds, though prepare for cold overnight temperatures near the lakes.

How difficult is High Lakes Trail #116?
The trail is rated moderate. The 15 km distance and 410 m cumulative elevation gain are manageable for a reasonably fit adult. The main challenge is the Adams Creek ford in early season and rocky footing on the ancient lava flow sections. There is no technical scrambling or exposed ridgeline. First-time backpackers with a day-hiking background will find this route approachable.

How long does it take to hike the High Lakes Trail #116?
Most fit hikers complete the 15 km one-way route in 5–7 hours at a comfortable pace with stops. Backpackers typically split it over two days, overnighting at Horseshoe Lake Campground around the 10 km mark. Allow extra time in August for huckleberry stops along the Yakama berry grounds section — they slow everyone down regardless of pace.

Where can I stay overnight on the High Lakes Trail #116?
Horseshoe Lake Campground (around the 10 km mark) is the main backcountry option — primitive sites with a vault toilet, covered by the Northwest Forest Pass. Killen Creek Campground near the eastern terminus has more established sites at $20–25/night (≈ €18–23). Dispersed camping is permitted throughout Gifford Pinchot National Forest at least 60 m from water.

Do I need a permit to hike High Lakes Trail #116?
No quota permit is required for day hiking or backcountry camping. You need a Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day or $30/annual, ≈ €4.60/€27.50) displayed at your vehicle at the trailhead. As of 2026 no advance reservation system applies to this trail. Campfire bans are common during dry summer periods — check with the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District for current restrictions before you depart.