I had the opportunity for a mid-July trip, meeting up with a couple of my friends from Portland where we did one night backpacking through one of the many trails in southern Washington. I considered taking my Rikonin f/2.8 wide angle lens (for astrophotography), but to keep my pack light I decided on my Nikon 50mm – a light and easy go-to lens. I had the chance to snap a few pictures of my friends (and their dog) while we were filtering our water behind our camp – and snapped a few on the trail.
Getting To Siouxon Creek Trailhead
The Siouxon Creek Trailhead is about 3 and a half hours from Seattle. Drive south on I-5 until Woodland (about 135 miles) where you will take exit 21 toward WA-503 E/Woodland/Cougar from I-5 south. After that take the many turns (below). The road is windy and uneven (some larger potholes), so keep that in mind when deciding to drive out.
- Continue onto Pacific Ave (0.7 miles)
- Turn left to stay on Pacific Ave (69 ft)
- Turn left onto Lewis River Rd (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto E CC st (0.2 mi)
- Continue onto Bridge 80 (417 ft)
- Continue onto NW Hayes Rd (5.3 mi)
- Continue onto NE Cedar Creek Rd (11.9 mi)
- Continue onto NE 419th St (2.2 mi)
- Continue onto WA-503 N (0.2 mi)
- Turn right onto NE Healy Rd (2.7 mi)
- Slight left (2.5 mi)
- Slight right at Rashford Spur Rd (1.7 mi)
- Slight right (0.1 mi)
- Continue straight (2.2 mi)
- Keep left to continue on Calamity Peak Rd/NF-57 (1.2 mi)
- Turn left onto NF-5701 (3.7 mi)
Parking
We started our hike on a Friday afternoon, the parking lot was about half full. Leaving on Saturday afternoon the parking lot was full and people were parked along the street. Although a bit out of the way, this is a popular hike.
Trails and Rivers
Siouxon Creek isn’t the only water that runs through this area. As you can see from the map below, there are plenty of rivers to explore. Growing up in Nevada – we just don’t get this kind of environment to hike through. Although the Sierra Nevada’s will always be one of my favorite places to hike, one has to appreciate the greenery and the beautiful water that flows through the Pacific Northwest.
What are your favorite places to hike? Share your photos and adventures below!
Resources:
Google Maps
