Lower Dewey Lake Trail

This trail switchbacks steeply for about 500 feet (0.5 mile) along the forested hillside. Not far up the trail there is a rock bench which provides a view of town and the harbor. The trail winds past a city reservoir and then continues on to the Lower Dewey Lake loop. This trail switchbacks steeply for about 500 feet (0.5 mile) along the forested hillside. Not far up the trail there is a rock bench which provides a view of town and the harbor. The trail winds past a city reservoir and then continues on to the Lower Dewey Lake loop. A rolling trail along the west side of the lake leads to an earthen levee and spillway and continues on to the rougher and narrower east side of the loop. Good views of the Twin Dewey Peaks (5,410 ft) may be had from all points of the lake. A number of picnic tables lay along the trail and sandy beach spots provide opportunities for swimming, fishing and non-motorized boating. Northern Coastal Forest This hillside is covered with dense stands of alder, cottonwood, hemlock and Sitka spruce, most of which are second-growth. Understory plants such as mosses, ferns and devils club flourish in the mild marine climate. Wildflowers: A multitude of dazzling wildflowers can be seen including Bunchberry, Clasping Twisted-Stalk and Starry Cassiope. Animals: Keep an eye out for American Dippers, Varied Thrushes (known for the various pitched whistles sounding in the forest), Tree Swallow and Spruce Grouse. Additional Information Time: 1-2 hours round trip Rating: Moderate Distance: 0.5 miles (0.72 km) to lake 2.7 miles (4.4 km) around lake Elevation Gain: 500 ft (150 meters) Lower Dewey Lake Overnight camping is permissible around Lower Dewey Lake. Permits are not required. Build fires only in designated fire pits and never leave a fire. You are in bear country! Stay alert, make noise and do not approach or feed bears. Try to keep food smells away from bears. If you do encounter a bear, stay calm, talk calmly and firmly, back away slowly and never run.