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Exploring the Pacific Greenway: from Portland to the Coast |
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Bloom Lake Loop |
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Distance: 3.2 miles Walk duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Travel time to trailhead: 1 hour 15 minutes (49.5 miles from West Burnside and US 405). The pull-off is 29 miles from where US 6 (Wilson River Hwy.) splits off from US 26, and its 3.6 from the Sunset Rest area located between milepost 28 and 29 on US 26. Elevation change: The trail starts at 1219 ft, and climbs to 1685 feet above the lake. The total elevation gain is a bit over 450 feet. Brief summary: The return trip follows an older logging road that crosses over the top of the eastern shore to connect with the entry trail. Follow the new logging road up a small incline. At the top you’ll see an older logging road heading off into the woods on your left. Follow this trail, but first you must edge past a deep ditch designed to prevent ATV’s from using this access. This trail eventually reconnects with the trail you used to enter this area, and from there it proceeds down to US 26. |
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View from the little beach at the western end of Bloom lake.
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This is a short but pleasant hike easily accessible from US 26. With a nice lake at the top it’s a real treat, especially for the dogs. Most of the trail is in an older alder forest with old growth stumps all along the way. The trail around the lake is a bit primitive, especially since it splits into smaller trails, but 
as long as you follow the shore these tracks will take you to the western end of the lake where a logging road skirts near (but out of sight of) the shore. At the western end you will find evidence of beaver which do frequent this pond. A small beach affords a lovely resting place.