Lake Sylvia─A great place to log some hiking miles
Fishermen and women usually line the old railroad bridge on Lake Sylvia
Quick Facts:
Location: Montesano, Olympic Peninsula
Land Agency: Washington State Parks
Roundtrip: 4.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 220 feet
Access: From US 12 in Montesano, head north on Main Street past the county courthouse. Turn left onto Spruce Avenue proceeding three blocks. Then turn right on 3rd Street which becomes Sylvia Lake Road for 1.2 miles to Lake Sylvia State Park. Trail starts at day use area near ranger residence.
Notes: Discover Pass required; dogs must be leashed.
Contact: Washington State Parks
Good to know: dog-friendly, kid-friendly, historic, snow-free winter hike, car camping, practice Leave No Trace Principles
This little 252-acre park packs a lot of history, natural beauty, and recreation within its tight borders. Once an old logging camp, the area was converted into a park in 1936. The narrow lake was created by damming Sylvia Creek, first for floating logs then for providing electricity for Montesano. Plenty of artifacts remain in the park from its early days. There are plenty of mature trees too, despite the area’s logging history.
This hike consists of two loops originating from the same origin. Start out by the boat launch, hiking north on the lakeshore trail. On a perfectly level path that once housed tracks for a logging railroad, 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.
Reach a logging road, turn right, cross Sylvia’s inlet stream, and then turn right again to hike back along the lake’s eastern 
shore. The return trail is wilder, climbing over bluffs and darting in and out of cool side ravines–one housing a covered bridge spanning a small creek. You’ll emerge in the park’s attractive campground. Walk park roads and bridge over lake back to your start.
Then head out on the second loop. Hike south along Lake Sylvia on the Rail Trail crossing a cove on an old railroad bridge (now a beloved fishing spot). Reach the start of the Sylvia Creek Forestry Trail and follow this 2.4 mile loop through the adjacent city of Montesano Forestry lands. Along the creek and through cool forests of maple and cedar, keep an eye out for old springboard cuts and railroad trestles. Look too for signs of animal activity. Beaver are active along this stretch of the creek. Close the loop by crossing over the old human-built dam that created Lake Sylvia.
Lake Sylvia is one of 136 featured hikes in the best selling, most trusted guidebook to the trails of the Olympics; Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula 2nd edition. Get more details on this trail in the book. Pick up a copy today and discover many less traveled trails.
Get your copy today!
For more information on places to visit and where to stay and dine in the area, consult Northwest TripFinder.
