Whether you’re looking for an easy forest walk, a barrier-free loop trail, or a longer, more rugged ramble, this sweet little state park has you covered.
If it’s the barrier-free loop you’re after, take the exit off Hwy 504 for the Seaquest State Park Visitors Center. Drive through the first large parking lot and park in the second large lot. The trail is marked by a large kiosk with information about wildlife in the area and a map of the route that the trail takes through the lush marshy Silver Lake.
The graveled trail is almost totally flat, descending about five feet from the parking lot via a gentle switchback on the west end of the loop before becoming boardwalk.
Mount St. Helens is visible from most of the trail, commanding the vista despite—or perhaps because of—her imperfect summit. Wildlife abounds here, even in winter, and the boardwalk and raised trail that carries you through Silver Lake puts you up close and personal with the flora and fauna supported by this huge lake–-one of the largest ecosystems of its kind in the western United States. Kids will love this easy hike, and, when open, the visitors center makes an excellent supplement to your outside explorations.
If the mile-long loop wasn’t quite enough for your venturesome self, take the tunnel under the road and the trail up into the camping and day-use area. There is a maze of trails here, offering everything from a quarter-mile loop around the campgrounds to a mile-long perimeter hike of the forest to the north of the campgrounds and yurts.
The trails here are easy enough to follow, if somewhat poorly signed, so be sure you have a map of your own, or plenty of time for doubling back. Towards the far reaches of the trail system, the trails cross several small creeks and incorporate stairs and short, steep climbs, making for a more rugged experience.
WTA Pro Tip: If some of your party is keen to explore the trails but others don’t want to make the trek, a playground at the center of the campground makes a great meeting spot.
Seaquest State Park - Silver Lake
46.2959,
-122.8176
Map & Directions
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,390 feet
A forest walk and a wetlands walk-two trails for the price of one! This wide, paved trail loops through meadows and shoreline.
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Hiking Seaquest State Park - Silver Lake
WTA worked here in 2022 and 2019!
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Before You Go
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
Discover PassWTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.
Getting There
From I-5 take exit 49 for Castle Rock and drive 5 miles east on Highway 504. Seaquest State Park is on the left side of the highway, but the barrier-free Silver Lake trail can be accessed from the visitor/day-use parking area on the righthand side of the road. Trails for the forest walks can be found up on the lefthand side of the road, up the hill and near the day-use picnic area.
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