Gifford Pinchot National Forest Council Bluff Hike Hike 26
Length: 3 Miles round trip Elevation Change: 800' Elevation gain Season: Summer thru Fall Difficulty: Moderate Permit: NW Forest Pass Required Features:
This hike begins at the Council Lake
campground off Forest Road #016 which
is just a short distance from FR #23.
Be sure to enjoy Council Lake before
or after your hike up Council Bluff.
The first mile of this hike follows an
old road. Be aware that motor bikes
are allowed on this stretch of the trail.
All of the first mile of this hike is
within dense timber with only a rare
glimpse out at Mt Adams or Council
Lake below.
At about a mile you will come to the
junction of Trail #117 which is the
foot only trail to the top of Council
Bluff. At this point you break out of
the dense forest and are out in the
open. Now you get to see why this
little hike is so worth it.
The trail begins on the east side of
the bluff then works its way around
the south side and approaches the
top from the southwest.
The rewards for reaching the top of
Council Bluff are in the magnificent
views. Mt Rainier, the Goat Rocks,
Mt Adams, Mt Hood, and of course
Mt St Helens.
A Virtual Hike in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
