Field Trip: Soapstone Lake
July 5 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday, July 5, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Field Trip: Soapstone Lake
Leader: Kira Taylor
Location: Clatsop State Forest (carpooling will be from Banks).
Venture out to a lesser-visited part of the Clatsop State Forest for a 3 mile loop hike around a small woodland lake. This moderate trail passes through thinned second-growth forest, skirts around Soapstone Meadow and a few remnant pioneer-planted cherry trees, then rises and falls (elevation gain about 300 feet) on its way to meet the lake as it passes between large old hemlock and Sitka spruce trees. At the lake, we’ll see huge skunk cabbage, northern bugleweed, orange honeysuckle, Hall’s false rue anemone, and if we’re lucky, tiny roundleaf sundew growing on the logs jutting out into the lake!
The carpool will meet at Banks around 9:00, about an hour’s drive to the trailhead. Carpool drivers are advised to bring no valuables and leave nothing visible in vehicles; occasional break-ins have been historically reported at this trailhead. Bring lunch, and maybe binoculars for long-distance sundew spotting.
Message Kira at ki*********@***il.com to register or with any questions. Limited to ten participants. A waiting list will be kept.
