Pipestone Canyon Loop

This is a wonderfull loop hike that is often overlooked as poeple just enter the canyon and hike back.  The highlight is the views from the ridge above the canyon.  This loop hike can start either at the end of Campbell Lake rd or at the road junction on Campbell Lake rd and Lester rd. I started at the end of Campbell Lake rd at the entrance to the canyon.  Hiking from here in a clockwise direction has the trail following Campbell Lake road back out to Lester rd where the trail then turns off into the brush.  The trail at that point is hard to see.  A pole fence will vere away from the road. That is where you can pick up the trail.

Follow through the brush as the trail ascends. At time it is very overgrown with wild flowers, which were abundant in Mid-July.  Soon you will rise high enough to see Campbell Lake and 360 degree beautiful views of this unique landscape.  Higher up, the trail crosses several steep washouts and it appears the trail changes often to work around the washout.  You may have to travel further to the left but be sure to head back toward the ridge.

After about 3 miles you reach a great view point looking down into Pipestone Canyon. The ridge trail has several descents and ascents over the next 2.25 miles with amazing views all the way.  After the 5 mile mark from the trailhead you will have good views of the east side of the Cascades.  At 5.25 miles, the trail begins to descend, steeply at times over loose rock and tall grass.

At about little more than 6 miles from the trailhead, at the end of the descent. the trail comes out onto a dirt road.  Turn right and follow into Pipestone Canyon.  It is a wide with soem nice cliffs on the right near the trailhead.  In a little more than 2 miles you will reach the trailhead.