The Coleman Weedpatch Loop is just one of several wonderful rides out of Walupt Horse Camp.
While the terrain is challenging in places, this loop takes you through grassy meadows and beside small ponds, offers filtered views of the surrounding ridges, and travels along the shore of beautiful Walupt Lake.
The Ride
You'll start the ride at Walupt Horse Camp, located south of Randle and Packwood off Washington's Hwy. 12.
The trail gains elevation steadily for the next several miles.
Then it descends to Coleman Weedpatch, a large meadow so named because of the riot of wildflowers that adorn it in season.
Then the trail descends further to Walupt Lake, following its northern shoreline.
It's a lovely ride, especially if you can do it in early- to mid-summer when the flowers are peaking. Don't miss it!
The Camping
Walupt Horse Camp offers 9 sites with highline poles, fire pits, and picnic tables, plus vault toilets, a manure bin, garbage cans, and potable water from a hand pump. Some sites only have one highline pole, so you may need to secure one end of your highline to a nearby tree. The camp also has a day-use parking area that can accommodate several trailers.
More Information
Learn more about the Coleman Weedpatch Trail and other great rides out of Walupt Horse Camp in Riding Southwest Washington Horse Trails by Kim McCarrel, available at www.nwhorsetrails.com.