Loop Trail #120A

Loop Trail #120A is a 2 km point-to-point connector trail in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington, United States, gaining approximately 60 m of elevation. Rated easy, this U.S. Forest Service route links Keenes Trail (#120) to the shores of the 24-acre Horseshoe Lake through dense Pacific Northwest forest — a rewarding short hike or equestrian connector in the heart of the Mt. Adams corridor.

About the Loop Trail #120A

Tucked into the southern reaches of Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington State, Loop Trail #120A is a 2 km connector between the well-travelled Keenes Trail #120 and the tranquil shores of Horseshoe Lake. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service and designated as part of the Regional Walking Network (RWN), this point-to-point route integrates into the broader High Lakes trail system — a mosaic of multi-use paths threading through ancient Douglas-fir and subalpine fir forest at around 1,300 m (4,265 ft) elevation near Randle, Washington.

Despite its modest 2 km length, Trail #120A earns its place in any Mt. Adams itinerary by granting quick, low-effort access to the 24-acre Horseshoe Lake, one of the most photogenic bodies of water in the Cascade foothills. The trail is open to hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers, reflecting the Gifford Pinchot's tradition of shared-use recreation. Trail conditions are typically snow-free from late June through early October, though snowpack varies considerably from year to year.

The surrounding landscape carries the quiet drama of a region shaped by volcanism. Mt. Adams — the second-highest peak in Washington at 3,742 m — dominates the skyline, its glaciated cone visible through forest clearings on clear days. The trail corridor passes through second-growth and old-growth stands, with sword fern understory, salmonberry, and seasonal wildflowers lining the path. Birdlife is active: expect Steller's jays, varied thrushes, and the persistent hammering of pileated woodpeckers in the snags overhead.

For hikers planning a longer day, Trail #120A pairs naturally with the High Lakes Trail #116, which continues east past Horseshoe Lake toward the volcanic ridge, or with a return via Keenes Trail for a satisfying loop. The nearby Keenes Horse Camp, operated by the U.S. Forest Service, provides a convenient staging area with corrals, water, and vault toilets — making this corridor popular with equestrian groups throughout summer.

If you are packing light for the day, check our guide to the best ultralight backpacks of 2026 to find a pack suited to a quick out-and-back or a longer linking loop through the High Lakes area.

Route Overview & Stages

Loop Trail #120A runs 2 km from its junction with Keenes Trail #120 to the eastern shore of Horseshoe Lake. The terrain is gentle and well-defined, with a net elevation gain of approximately 60 m over the full length. The track follows a forested ridge before descending gently to the lake. The table below breaks the route into two natural stages.

Total: 2 km one-way | ~60 m elevation gain | approximately 30–45 minutes hiking time

The trailhead at the Keenes Trail #120 junction sits at approximately 1,280 m elevation. The mid-trail saddle reaches around 1,325 m before the track descends gently to Horseshoe Lake at around 1,310 m. The path is signposted at key junctions and well-maintained by the U.S. Forest Service throughout the hiking season.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Keenes Trail #120 Junction (0 km) — The official start of Trail #120A, clearly signposted where it departs from Keenes Trail. Keenes Horse Camp lies roughly 600 m to the north and serves as the primary parking and staging area for day hikers and equestrians.
• Old-Growth Douglas-Fir Corridor (0.3 km) — The first 300 m passes through an impressive stand of mature Douglas-fir, some with trunk diameters exceeding 1 m. These legacy trees survived the logging era and provide critical habitat for cavity-nesting birds including the pileated woodpecker.
• Sword Fern Understory (0.5 km) — At the trail's midpoint, the canopy opens slightly and a dense sword fern carpet stretches across the forest floor. Trillium blooms here in May; pearly everlasting carries through August.
• Forest Saddle Viewpoint (1.0 km) — The highest point of the trail at approximately 1,325 m. On clear days, filtered views open toward the glaciated cone of Mt. Adams — a rewarding rest stop and photography opportunity.
• Horseshoe Lake Eastern Shore (1.8 km) — The trail emerges at the lake's eastern edge. The 24-acre lake sits in a natural glacial bowl fringed with sedges, willows, and mountain hemlocks. Osprey and great blue heron are regularly spotted here from June onward.
• High Lakes Trail #116 Junction (2.0 km) — At trail's end, the High Lakes Trail #116 continues east across the volcanic ridge network. This junction is the logical turnaround for out-and-back hikers, or the springboard for a longer day combining multiple trails.
• Lakeside Meadow — South of the High Lakes junction, a small open meadow at the lake's southern tip offers the best unobstructed water views and makes an ideal lunch stop, with flat rocks at the shoreline.
• Spring Creek Corridor — Seasonal snowmelt feeds Spring Creek near the Keenes area, supporting lush riparian vegetation. Wildflower diversity peaks here in July, with Indian paintbrush, lupine, and broadleaf arrowhead crowding the banks.

Best Time to Hike the Loop Trail #120A

Trail #120A sits at 1,280–1,325 m elevation in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Washington's Cascades receive significant winter snowpack at this elevation, typically closing the trail from November through late May. Mud and downed trees from winter storms can persist into early June, and forest access roads may not reopen until the U.S. Forest Service completes seasonal maintenance.

The prime hiking window runs from late June through September. Here is what to expect month by month in 2026:

• Late June — Snow patches may linger in shaded sections. The trail is passable but can be muddy. Wildflowers begin: paintbrush, trillium, and early lupine light up the understory.
• July — Trail fully clear of snow. Temperatures at elevation reach 18–24 °C on sunny days. Peak wildflower season. Light insect activity — carry repellent. Horseshoe Lake is calm and cold.
• August — The single best month to hike Loop Trail #120A. Stable weather, dry tread, warm afternoons (20–26 °C), minimal insects, and the longest daylight hours for exploring the connecting High Lakes network. Horseshoe Lake is at its warmest for fishing or wading.
• September — Crowds thin considerably. Huckleberry bushes turn deep red across the understory, and the forest shifts into early autumn colour. Cooler mornings (8–12 °C) require a mid-layer. Excellent photography light throughout the month.
• October — Early snow is possible from mid-month. Check road conditions before visiting, as access roads may be gated after the first significant snowfall of the season.

As of 2026, always verify current trail and road conditions on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest official website before your visit, since washouts and unexpected closures can affect access without prior notice.

Practical Information

Accommodation

The most convenient base for hiking Trail #120A is Keenes Horse Camp, operated by the U.S. Forest Service approximately 600 m from the trailhead. It offers developed campsites with corrals, hitching rails, seasonal water, and vault toilets. Site fees run approximately €20–25 per night (~$22–27 USD); reservations via Recreation.gov are strongly recommended from July through August. The nearby Killen Creek Campground, roughly 3 km from the trailhead, provides basic vault toilets and free dispersed camping in designated areas — ideal for self-sufficient hikers who prefer a quieter setup.

For indoor accommodation, the town of Randle, WA (~35 km northwest) has small motels and guesthouses from around €80–120 per night. Trout Lake, WA (~30 km southeast) offers cabin rentals with direct access to a wider trail network near the Mt. Adams Ranger Station.

Getting There & Back

Loop Trail #120A is accessed via Forest Road 2329 off Highway 23 in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, in the Randle, Washington area.

• By car (recommended) — From Randle, follow Highway 23 south for approximately 30 km, then turn east onto Forest Road 2329. Continue ~5 km to the Keenes Horse Camp trailhead. Total drive time from Randle: roughly 40 minutes. A high-clearance vehicle is advisable after wet weather or in early season.
• By air — The nearest major airports are Portland International Airport (PDX), approximately 160 km south (~2 hours 20 minutes by car), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), approximately 200 km north (~2 hours 45 minutes). Rental cars are available at both airports — no public transit runs to the trailhead.
• Shuttle — No formal shuttle service operates to Keenes Horse Camp. Since Trail #120A is a point-to-point route, hikers typically return the same way or pre-arrange a vehicle shuttle between the High Lakes Trail #116 junction and the Keenes trailhead when combining trails.

Permits & Fees

No hiking permit is required for Trail #120A. However, a Northwest Forest Pass is required for vehicle parking at the Keenes Horse Camp trailhead. A daily pass costs approximately €7 ($8 USD) and an annual pass around €27 ($30 USD). The America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass (~€80 / $80 USD per year) is also accepted and covers parking and entry at all federal recreation sites nationwide — excellent value for multi-destination trips across National Forests and National Parks. No overnight permit or quota system currently applies to the campgrounds adjacent to this trail.

Gear & Packing List

Trail #120A is a straightforward 2 km day hike — no heavy expedition gear required. That said, the Gifford Pinchot's weather can shift quickly at elevation, so layering up and carrying the ten essentials is always sensible. For those extending the day along High Lakes Trail #116 (adding 8–15 km), a proper daypack with extra food and water becomes essential.

• Daypack (10–20 L) — For the 2 km connector alone, a vest-style running pack works well. The Salomon ADV Skin 12 keeps weight minimal while carrying water, a layer, and snacks. Extending to the High Lakes loop? Step up to the Salomon ADV Skin 20 for added capacity without sacrificing speed.
• Ultralight backpack (overnight or multi-trail) — Combining Trail #120A with overnight camps at Horseshoe Lake or Killen Creek? The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Windrider keeps total pack weight low while handling the damp Pacific Northwest conditions with its Dyneema waterproof construction.
• Footwear — Trail runners are sufficient for dry summer conditions. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended in June or after rain when the forest track can be muddy in sections.
• Layers — Even in August, temperatures at 1,300 m can drop to 10 °C after sunset or in sudden afternoon storms. Always carry a mid-layer fleece and a waterproof shell.
• Water — Carry at least 1 litre from the trailhead. Water from Horseshoe Lake and Spring Creek must be filtered or treated before drinking.
• Navigation — Download an offline topo map before leaving cell coverage. Signal is unreliable in the Gifford Pinchot interior on most carriers.
• Food & calories — A 2 km walk burns around 150–200 kcal. Planning a full-day extension? Our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day will help you plan exactly how much food to carry.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If Loop Trail #120A has sparked your appetite for American wilderness hiking, the trails below offer similar rewards on well-maintained U.S. Forest Service and National Park routes — from volcanic canyon descents to high-country ridge traverses. All share Trail #120A's combination of accessible natural drama and strong trail infrastructure.

• South Kaibab Trail (United States) — A classic Grand Canyon descent with panoramic 360° rim views and dramatic geological layering at every switchback.
• North Kaibab Trail (United States) — The Grand Canyon's north-rim counterpart: riparian zones, ancient Precambrian rock, and far fewer crowds than the south side.
• Hidden Canyon (United States) — A Zion National Park gem: a narrow slot canyon reached via a chain-assisted ledge walk through striking Navajo sandstone.
• Clouds Rest Trail (United States) — Yosemite's finest panoramic summit route, topping out at 2,987 m with unobstructed views across Half Dome and the High Sierra.
• Panorama Trail (United States) — A Yosemite loop linking Nevada Fall, Panorama Cliff, and Illilouette Fall in one memorable half-day circuit.

Keen to hike beyond North America? The Theth to Valbona hike in Albania offers a similarly compact connector-trail experience across a dramatic mountain pass — at a fraction of the cost of a US backcountry trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike Loop Trail #120A?
August is the single best month to hike Trail #120A. The trail is fully clear of snow, temperatures at 1,300 m elevation are warm and stable at 20–26 °C, wildflowers are in late bloom, and daylight hours remain generous. July is an excellent alternative with peak wildflower colour; September delivers autumn hues and far fewer visitors. Avoid November through late May due to snowpack and wet, muddy conditions on the trail and access roads.

How difficult is Loop Trail #120A?
Trail #120A is rated easy. At just 2 km with approximately 60 m of total elevation gain, the route is well within reach of most fitness levels, including older walkers and families with older children. The path is well-maintained and clearly signposted by the U.S. Forest Service throughout its length. The main practical challenge is the unpaved Forest Road 2329 access road, which can be rough after heavy rain or in early season before U.S. Forest Service maintenance is complete.

How far is it per day on Loop Trail #120A?
Trail #120A is a 2 km point-to-point connector, typically walked in 30–45 minutes one way. Most visitors complete the out-and-back (4 km return) in under 2 hours, including time at Horseshoe Lake. Those combining Trail #120A with High Lakes Trail #116 can extend the day to 10–18 km total, representing a comfortable full-day distance on the broader Gifford Pinchot trail network.

Where do you stay when hiking Loop Trail #120A?
The best base is Keenes Horse Camp (U.S. Forest Service), roughly 600 m from the trailhead, offering campsites, corrals, seasonal water, and vault toilets for around €20–25 per night. Killen Creek Campground (free dispersed camping) is 3 km away. Indoor accommodation is available in Randle, WA (~35 km northwest), with motels from around €80 per night. Reservations at Keenes Horse Camp via Recreation.gov are strongly recommended for July and August visits.

Do you need a permit to hike Loop Trail #120A?
No hiking permit is required for Trail #120A. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for vehicle parking at the Keenes Horse Camp trailhead — a daily pass costs around €7 ($8 USD) and an annual pass around €27 ($30 USD). The America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass (~€80 / $80 USD) covers all federal recreation sites across the United States and offers excellent value for hikers visiting multiple National Forests or National Parks in the same season.