Grassy Lake & Island Rock 2-20-21

Grassy Lake Island Rock…

Another awesome exploration day in this pretty cool area, if you like big rocks. Today my plan was to hike into the area from a new approach, to Grassy Lake, then on my way back explore what I’m calling Island Rock, and the Twin Spires. This approach by far is the easiest one. I forgot my camera so all pics are low quality phone pics…

Grassy lake is a large pond, surrounded by a dark forest with a few of the big old growth Spruce trees. Right now, the lake is dammed up by a Beaver dam. I easily navigated around the lake and back up to the road.

On my way back I took the road that went right next to the base of Island Rock. I found a short thrashy scramble that led me to the forest on top of Island Rock. Out on the highest point of the rock was a great view south southeast at the Nehalem valley, and over to Black Butte, Clatsop Towers, and Onion Peak.

After a short time on Island Rock, I continued up the road and thrashed down to the Twin Spires. The north spire Is about 50’ on the uphill side and fairly easy to get to. Getting to the south spire is a bit of a thrash, steep in parts, but with lots of shrubs to hold on too. I was able to make my way around to the lower base of the south spire. Looking up I’m guessing about 160’ tall.

Back on the road I could see the weather coming in so I headed back to my truck.

Note: This whole area is owned by Weyerhaeuser Timber, and you must have a permit to be in it.

From the truck, a view of the area between me and Black Butte (right)…