Pumice Flat Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Located near the southern border of the park, this trail is best accessed from Hwy 62, at the Lodgepole Picnic Area. The trailhead has been moved to the middle of the picnic area and is now marked with a prominent sign. A short stretch of trail takes you to Hwy 62, which you cross to the unsigned continuation of the trail immediately on the other side. From there the trail is obvious all the way to the PCT.

Though the slope is gentle, visitors will find themselves climbing most of the way to the end of this trail. Along the way, will skirt a few larger bluffs, and work its way through Lodgepole forests. A little over 1.5 miles into this one, the butte will fall behind, and you'll be treated with views of a large flat meadow. The trees will open up somewhat here, so stop to take in the view!

Once you crest the final small ridgeline, visitors will face a choice at a T-junction. The Stuart Falls Trail continues to the west a short distance north on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), while the PCT itself branches off to the south and north. If three miles (one-way!) is far enough, you can turn around and enjoy a gentle descent, retracing your footsteps the way that you came.

Lodgepole forests shade much of the trail, and other subalpine plants and animals can be seen off trail.