June Lake Trail #216B

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Trailhead is easy to find off Forest Road 83. There is a small parking lot and a trail sign for the June Lake Trail. There was a sign posted warning of a recent cougar sighting in the area a few days earlier, so taking the proper precautions such as running in groups, and keeping pets close is recommended.

The trail is a wide a gentle uphill forested trail that follows a creek to your left. This creek is the outflow of June Lake. The trail is easy to follow. At a few points, you'll get a glimpse of Mt. St. Helens. On my outing, the top was shrouded in clouds but the view was still impressive. In about a mile you'll come to a small bridge that crosses the outflow creek from June Lake. Once across you'll be in a flat open area. Small campsites are dotted around this open area. Continue on to the right of the trail and you'll see small June Lake. It is surrounded on three sides by steep forest. A waterfall flows into the lake directly across and a small cascade is to the left of that.

I originally decided to undertake this route to scout an easy backpack trip for my granddaughter. This is very doable for small kids. The potential campsites are in the open area on the opposite side of the trail from the lake. Behind the campsites is a big rock flow and dry wash.

Some deer can be seen along the way. Be aware that a cougar warning sign was posted with a sighting 6/29/2016. Salamander can be found in the lake.