Trail Overview

Within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this route begins at Forest Road 23, climbing 1500', where it dead ends at an amazing viewpoint. At the 1.5 mile mark, the route opens up to a parking area for Layser Cave. The Layser Cave Interpretive Site is worth the stop, where you can explore a cave once used by native Americans thousands of years ago. The hike is easy, roughly .5 miles in length. After visiting the cave, back on the route, you can continue to the summit. Beyond the cave, the route becomes quite narrow and overgrown, and poorly maintained, with ruts from rain runoff. There are views of Mt. Adams along the way, and the route ends at a narrow turn around, where you find an amazing view of the valley. There is no cell service in this area.

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Difficulty

Most of the route is a 1 rating, however towards the top the route becomes narrow, overgrown, and rutted, perhaps a 2 rating.

Technical Rating

Nathan W

Nov 22, 2025

Open

The trail’s overall condition was good, though there were a few potholes and sections with minor ruts. To get a better idea of the road’s condition, I passed someone driving their Honda Accord up there.

Colton Riblett

Jul 26, 2025

Open

L Lapsley

Jul 24, 2025

Open

Turn off the main road is hard to find look for a cross with flowers. The only sign for the caves off the main road, as if you’re heading northbound. If you’re heading south from the bridge at Randall you’ll go about 7 miles if you see the 7 mile marker, you went too far.. for Road 83 was well maintained in the parking area is rather large however, the trailhead is across from the parking area as you drive up, but the sign is so low you can’t see it for the grass and weeds. The trail itself is very well-maintained. The cave is large enough to stand and walk around in. It’s a shame people that vandalize the signs but it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. If you finish the loop, you’ll get to go to a very nice viewpoint. This is a short trail easily accessible with just a few steps and some graded switchbacks.

shane cabalquinto

Apr 05, 2025

Open

Super easy trail lots of pull off spots to make way for oncoming traffic. Went high enough to visit the caves but didn’t go further to avoid running into snow

Afi and Deez Silverado

Dec 09, 2023

Open