Siltcoos Lake Trail

Siltcoos Lake Trail begins by following an old logging road for 0.75 mile where the trail divides to form a loop. The northern route is narrow with rolling hills. After 1.0 mile, a short spur leads to the lake and 5 primitive campsites equipped with tables, campfire rings, and a primitive toilet. Back on the main trail, hike 0.5 mile to a 0.25 mile spur that leads to a second camp on the lake with one site, a table, fire ring and primitive toilet. Return to the main trail and turn south on the brushier southern route for 0.75 mile back to where the trail divided. The trail gradually climbs and descends through a 60- to 70-year-old forest of Sitka Spruce, Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, and Western Hemlock, ending on the west shore of the lake. Large second growth evergreen trees provide a dense canopy overhead, shading ancient cedar snags and lush marshes.

I lived in Florence and this was always one of my favorite hikes. It is a moderate hike and is absolutely beautiful. It almost feels like you're in a fairy forest if you have an imagination! lots of unique mushrooms plants and trees to see. The halfway point of your hike is rewarded with a view of Siltcoose lake. This is where I would have A picnic lunch. Then you hike back continuing the loop and see lots of old-growth trees.