The best walks and hikes around Lake Holm

Yes, the Soos Creek Trail loop from Kentwood High School is an excellent choice. It's a paved, relatively flat path that follows a salmon-spawning stream through woods and meadows, making it ideal for hikers of all abilities, including those with strollers.

Dogs are generally welcome on many trails in the area, but they must be kept on a leash. The trails in Henry's Ridge Open Space and the Soos Creek Trail are popular options for dog walkers. Always check specific park regulations before you go and be sure to clean up after your pet.

The area offers several great loop hikes. For a shorter walk, the Clark Lake loop from Kensington Heights is a pleasant option. For a longer, more rustic experience, the 9.3-mile gravel loop around Lake Youngs Reservoir provides a good sense of immersion in a natural setting.

The diverse habitats around Lake Holm support a variety of wildlife. Along the Soos Creek Trail, you might spot herons, kingfishers, and other songbirds. The more wooded areas, like Henry's Ridge and the Lake Youngs Trail, are home to deer. Near the lake itself, it's not uncommon to see bald eagles.

While most trails immediately around Lake Holm are rated as easy, you can find more rugged and challenging terrain at Henry's Ridge Open Space. This 250-acre park features nearly 20 miles of multi-use trails with more varied gradients, offering a more strenuous workout for adventurous hikers and mountain bikers.

On clear days, the Soos Creek Trail offers stunning views of Mount Rainier. For a different kind of scenery, the Coal Mine Trail – Henry's Ridge & Black Diamond Natural Area provides immersive views within a restored forest landscape.

The trails in this region are highly regarded by the komoot community, earning an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the mix of paved greenways and quiet, forested paths that make the area accessible and enjoyable.

Yes, the White River loop from Pacific is a great option that follows the course of the river. Additionally, the Soos Creek Trail meanders alongside a salmon-spawning stream, offering a picturesque waterside experience.

The trail surfaces vary. You'll find paved, accessible paths like the Soos Creek Trail, which is great for walking and cycling. Other routes, such as the West Loop in Henry's Ridge, are primarily dirt and gravel, offering a more traditional hiking experience.

Parking is available at various trailheads. For the Soos Creek Trail, you can often find parking near Kentwood High School. For trails in Henry's Ridge Open Space, there are designated parking areas. A popular access point for many regional hikes is the Flaming Geyser State Park, which has ample parking but may require a Discover Pass.

Yes, Lake Holm has a public boat ramp managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. However, internal combustion motors are prohibited, making it a quiet spot for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing for largemouth bass and rainbow trout. For specific regulations, it's best to check the WDFW website.