Cold Spring Chopaka
Mountain Trail
Loomis Wa
Photo By James Moore
Overview
The Cold Springs trailhead is at over 6000’ so dress for the weather you are going to encounter and not the weather at the valley bottom. Owing to the unique terrain many hikers choose to hike cross-country linking trails and ferreting out the spectacular vistas in which this area abounds.
Notes
Don’t let the drive dissuade you from doing this extraordinary hike. Despite its alpine nature the route itself is remarkably doable and the views provide an absolutely unique perspective on some of the most stunning landscape on the Pacific Northwest Trail. Also, this hike can be done more easily from the old road north without climbing Chopaka, and the views are still great.
Description
From the trailhead hike north on the old road bed until just past the first culvert (approximately1/2 mile from the trailhead) where a north trending bush-whack through mostly open grass and rocky hillsides will take you to theSouthwest Ridge of Chopaka and a straight forward ramble to the summit. Return by the same route or descend to a col on the north-side where an easy westward descent through grassy slopes and talus will bring you to the main trail and approximately a 1.5mile hike south to the trailhead.
