PJ Lake

PJ Lake – 1.7mi / 2.7km

For those that are willing to brave the precipitous descent, they’re rewarded with a quaint, emerald lake with a lovely backdrop. The forested trail begins initially level, then reaches the edge and steeply drops over 600ft/120m in 0.5mi/08.km into the valley.

Footing is tricky as it switchbacks down through the forest with some nice views sprinkled in. At the bottom of the switchbacks, the trail traverses through the wet meadows to a tall, delicate waterfall. The trail then climbs back up another 200ft/60m to the lake’s shore. Trout swim in the emerald waters with varying levels of algae. A small waterfall flows from the jagged ridgeline above feeding the lake.

Trailhead: Follow the Hurricane Ridge Road up to the parking area of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. Take a sharp left onto Obstruction Point Road as soon as you enter the parking area and follow the rough road (very steep and winding gravel road not suitable for large vehicles or trailers) for 3.8 miles to the PJ Lake trailhead. 

Elevation Gain: 750ft / 225m – Elevation Loss: 750ft / 225m

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