Council Bluff Trail
Council Bluff Trail Map

Council Bluff Trail

Gifford Pinchot National Forest
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Council Bluff Trail

Council Bluff Trail

Distance: 2.9mi
Elevation: 856ft
Time: 1.5-2h

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Council Bluff Trail is a 2.9mi out and back hike that starts from the Council Bluff Campground and takes you up to a viewpoint over Council Lake. This hike is fairly short, but there are some confusing, unmarked junctions that make a downloaded GPS route very helpful. Expect light traffic on this hike.

Council Bluff Trail Map

Getting there

The trailhead for the Council Bluff Trail is in the back of Council Bluff Campground.

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About

Backcountry Campground

Council Lake Campground

When to do

April-November

Pets allowed

Yes - On Leash

Family friendly

Yes

Route Signage

Poor

Crowd Levels

Low

Route Type

Out and back


Council Bluff Trail
Elevation Graph


Council Bluff Trail Description

Council Bluff Trail is a good hike if you’re staying at the nearby campground or if you want a 2 hour or so adventure. It’s quick in and out and provides a nice view over Council Lake and the surrounding forest and mountains.

This trail isn’t very well marked, so we recommend downloading your GPS route. The mosquitoes tend to be persistent, so bring a potent spray. Additionally, it tends to be rocky and a bit loose. Poles and sturdy boots are recommended.

Begin from the back end of the campground. The trail isn’t marked, so take a peek at your GPS. You’ll climb next to the ridge, hiking roughly north before taking four wide switchback turns prior to the final switchbacks to the summit. From the top, you’ll retrace your steps down the same route.

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