The high country on the Bonaparte Plateau is heavily forested with many lakes.   The higher elevation means an early winter and late snows in the spring.    Late spring hikes are possible, but expect a muddy road, late drifts, and wet feet.   Even in summer the trail into Skoatl Point can be a wet hike.   The mosquitoes of June-July follow, so we try to plan our hikes for August-September-October.    The trail is now well-marked and a quick hike.

To find the Skoatl Point Trailhead:

• Drive north from Westsyde and turn onto the Jamieson Creek Forest Service Road.   This is a good road suitable for all vehicles.
• Follow the Jamieson Creek FSR until Whitewood Lake.   There is a Forest Service Campsite on the right.   Turn west onto the Windy Lake Road.   The sign is near the cattle guard.
• Follow the Windy Lake Road as it climbs through several logged areas.   There will be side roads, but keep your eye on the kilometer markers.
• Pass the Windy Lake Campsite.
• The trailhead is not far ahead, but there are a number of junctions to figure out.   Turn right onto a minor side road.   It is narrow with one big waterbar, so low-clearance vehicles may want to park earlier and walk in.
• At the end of the road is a parking area and a trailhead sign.

The trail winds through the forest down to Adler Lake then past to a gentle ridge leading up to the base of Skoatl. Cross two short rock slops and around to the east side of the plug. The volcanic core looms overhead. The route up follows a number of ledges to the top. This is a scramble and not for everyone. On our last trip the rock was dry allowing for a 10 minute climb to the top. On a previous trip, the rock was wet and this made the descent precarious. Skoatl Point is the high point on this part of the plateau and dozens of lakes can be seen below. In the distance Dunn Peak, Raft Peak, and the Trophy Mountains were covered in snow. We always enjoy this hike and plan to return every fall.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.