Hike to Statlu Lake

Statlu Lake is a hidden gem in the Harrison area.

Start your journey at the Harrison West Forest Service Road. This road is pretty well maintained, and a piece of cake for any 4x4 vehicle but high clearance is always helpful, especially for the last bit of road up the hill to the trailhead. It would be possible for smaller, less capable vehicles, but it would be a long day of driving if coming from Vancouver. 

Follow the gravel road for 28.8 kilometers, based on the metal distance markers. Shortly after the road winds it's way downhill around a series of sharp corners, turn left onto Chehalis-Mystery Forest Service Road. Reset your odometer again and travel for another 8 km to a point where a newer logging road leads off to the right. When you see it veer off to the right towards a set of deep water bars, you know you've found the spot to park. Park anywhere here off the side of the gravel road (leave room for others to turn around). If there's no space up top near the water bars, head down the road a little bit to the left and you'll find a pull off that you can use. 

Walk up towards the waterbars and just past them on your left you'll see a trail that goes into the forest - this is your trail! Just down the way you'll find a signpost (nothing official) for the Statlu Lake Trail. From here follow the orange markers and obvious trail all the way to the lake. 

The trail is pretty straight-forward for the first few kms, aside from the two rushing streams without any bridges. You have to get creative to cross those, especially the second. The trail is not very steep until about km 3. Note the signs warning you NOT to go down to get a closer look at the falls you'll see on the way - unless you want to fall to your death. 

Once at the lake, continue down the side of the lake towards the first and second boulder fields which will provide you with excellent lunch spots and viewpoints. From here you can continue on to Brotherhood trail at the end of the lake if so planned. 

Please note there is no cell reception, and definitely bears in this area so be prepared with bear spray, the ten essentials, and a hiking buddy.