We hiked to the old town site of Lester today. Drove to Exit 62 and then did the 13 miles on US forest Road 54 road over Stampede Pass and then drops way down under big powerlines to a valley and then to the trailhead. The road was super dusty with some good sized potholes you have to take slowly but I think just about every car could make it.
Parked at the yellow gate and started walking on the close road the 2.5 miles to the town. Couple of nice spots on the river and some gorgeous open meadows to enjoy and heavy Elk sign along the way. Nice habitat for Elk but didn't see any but I would bet you would when the weather had them down in the valley.
There are about 4 old structures still standing in the town site with a couple of the houses still very intact and interesting to explore.
The town site had a number of pastures and you can find remnants of bygone homes but the old cars, old appliances, sinks and tubs are still visible. Pretty fascinating to wonder around and see very old discarded items laying around.
Continued on the road but shortly after the town site there are signs prohibiting you from continuing on into the Tacoma Watershed so we headed back.
This hike has river views, view meadows/open space, elk habitat, railroad tracks, and town site history and is a 5 mile round-trip stroll and would be great for kids.
The negatives is that you are hiking on a closed road and the elevation is low so don't expect a Mtn or alpine experience.
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