Hike of the Week: Lake Sylvia

The old trestle bridge makes a scenic fishing spot on Lake Sylvia

Lake Sylvia

Sliver of a lake teems with history and wildlife




by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

December 15, 2006

Quick Facts
Location: Montesano, Chehalis River Valley
Land Agency: Washington State Parks
Roundtrip: 2.0 miles
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Access: Exit US 12 in Montesano heading north on Main Street passing a traffic light and the scenic county courthouse. Follow signs for “Lake Sylvia State Park,” and in 1.5 miles enter park. At entrance booth turn left, cross bridge and park at Day use area near ranger residence.
Notes: Dogs must be leashed

Lake Sylvia State Park packs scads of history, natural beauty, and recreation within its tight borders. A one time logging camp, the area was converted into a park in 1936, during the height of the Great Depression. The narrow lake was created by damming Sylvia Creek; first for rounding logs and then for electricity production. Artifacts remain in the park from its early days. But you may also be pleasantly surprised to see just how well Sylvia’s forests have recovered since its working days. Mature trees now hover above the lake and creek, providing a pretty backdrop as well as some great wildlife habitat.
Start your hike by the boat launch, heading north on the lakeshore trail. On a level path, a former rail bed, hike one mile along Lake Sylvia’s west shore. Mature evergreens shade the trail while large alders drape over the tranquil waters. The northern end of the lake is marshy providing good cover for ducks, geese, and herons.
At the lake’s far end turn right; cross the inlet stream and return along Sylvia’s eastern shore. The return trail climbs over bluffs and darts in and out of ravines. You’ll emerge in the park’s campground. Walk the campground access road a short distance back to the entrance booth-cross the bridge and return to your start.
Be sure to check out the old railroad bridge, now a beloved fishing spot, before heading home.

Lake Sylvia is one of the 125 hikes featured in my new book, Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula (Mountaineers Books) to be released this spring. Order your copy now.