EHC Hike Guide #7 - Spider Lake

The trail around the lake is a remnant of a longer trail that once traversed miles of primeval trees. Most of those trees have since been logged, and the trail truncated to the lake. The remaining trail has since been restored and the forests on the surrounding hillsides are regenerating nicely.

Due to its low elevation, Spider Lake makes for a good hike year round. But early summer is an exceptionally good time to visit when dwarf dogwood and queen’s cup blossoms blanket the forest floor with white bouquets. 

Starting from an unassuming trailhead immediately enter cool old growth forest and soon come to a junction. Turn right (although either direction will work), cross the outlet stream and reach Spider’s western shoreline. Now saunter along passing big trees and good viewpoints of the placid lake. Gaze up at the surrounding ridges. The intensively logged surroundings offer quite a contrast to the virgin groves surrounding the lake. After an easy mile, cross a small creek and come to a junction. The trail right steeply climbs a short distance to an alternative trailhead. The loop continues left traversing above the green waters of the lake and beneath the emerald canopy of ancient behemoths. Along the lake’s eastern shoreline the trail climbs a bit across a steep side slope. After crossing an impressive high log bridge, begin descending back to lake level. Cross a stream in a marshy area and return to the first junction. Then head right to return to your start.

https://www.explorehoodcanal.com/spider-lake