Doesn't that sound wonderful? Recently I've been liking trips that require less driving, and to have this area as one's home range is such an extraordinary gift. Last weekend I did a lake loop that still has me grinning. It shouldn't be too hard to figure this one out, but the required effort ought to keep the traffic within reason.
Day one; five-plus miles up a creek valley, then a steep 1200' to the first lake. I'd been here last year and expected a good population of healthy Cutthroat. While clambering uphill through a boulder field I met another party on their way out; including an 80 year old. Inspiring to say the least. His parting advice: “Just never stop getting out.”
I was surprised to find fewer fish than expected. I did bring a nice one to hand and lost a few others, but not quite the action I was hoping for. Ah well, not a bad place to be. I had the whole lake to myself, and there was new territory to look forward to tomorrow.
From here my route ascended a waytrail 1200' to the ridge above. As I was crossing the lake outlet I wasviciously attacked by surprised to see a family of Otters. I'd been hearing loud whistling chirps that morning, and couldn't figure out what bird it could possibly be. 'Turns out it was two adults and two juveniles conspiring to clean out the remaining fish population.
At the ridge I joined the Packed Crowded Trail and continued north. There is a small lake just off the way that was absolutely swarming with trail runners and through hikers. I grabbed a prime campsite, caught a Rainbow (why not?) from my doorstep, and went to explore another nearby lake.
This next lake I really liked. It had a decent population of fish that probably don't get a ton of pressure but gave me more refusals and short strikes than I've ever experienced on an alpine lake.
It wasn't until I spotted some cinnamon flying ants on the water and matched them that I had any success.
I'm confused; Golden Trout?
While hanging out by the lake I was visited by a curious Pica. This it the first/only good photo of one I've managed in all the years I've been in Washington. Usually they're gone by the time you get the camera out.
The following day's route crossed a steep cirque wall above my first lake on a trail often blasted into the hillside.
After an hour or so, it was time to leave the established path to work out a way down another wooded ridge to the next lake basin.
This one was more puzzling and I caught myself straying the wrong way into steep terrain. A course correction brought me back to the ridge and a welcome view of the lake, not far below. As I popped out of the woods and into the open I was surprised and a bit disappointed to meet another party ('looked like Dad and two young teens) camping in the basin. Oh well, there's enough room for everyone.
This lake had a lot of fish in it, as in A LOT. 'Biggest ones were around 11”, so – not bad, but I actually got bored with catching them. At one point while kicking back to camp I tried skating a wooly bugger on the surface 10' from my boat, and fish would fly out of the depths to hit it. Just silly.
There is an outlet stream, currently almost dried up, leading to a shallow swampy lake.
It's apparent that the fish here reproduce successfully as I observed sizes from fry up to... bigger than the main lake. Ah, a challenge! These guys were spooky as fish will be when they feel exposed. Did I mention the lack of back cast space? It took who knows how long, but I did eventually bow and arrow a fly in just so and landed a monster. Must have been at least a foot long, probably more. With that I packed up the rod and headed to dinner. Mmmmm, noodles.
Later that evening I smelled smoke and was surprised to see an obvious plume rising from the other camp. The trailhead was clearly and profusely posted with BURN BAN signs, and these nitwits think they can just risk torching the whole valley? I had a debate with myself, but eventually did go over and tell them in no uncertain terms to put the stupid fire out. Way to be a good role model for your kids, you dweeb. Jeez!
The weather had been reasonably cool, but the next day's forecast was Heat Wave, so I got an early start and headed out. The trail out isn't bad, but very steep in places. I found myself a tad nervous a few times on loose ground where a slip could easily have led to serious injury. Back to the valley, through an impressive avalanche path, into the timber and miles of trail out. Just before getting to the last chunk of road walking I nearly stepped on this well camouflaged creature, about the size and shape of a grapefruit.
Next stop; ice cream!
Day one; five-plus miles up a creek valley, then a steep 1200' to the first lake. I'd been here last year and expected a good population of healthy Cutthroat. While clambering uphill through a boulder field I met another party on their way out; including an 80 year old. Inspiring to say the least. His parting advice: “Just never stop getting out.”
I was surprised to find fewer fish than expected. I did bring a nice one to hand and lost a few others, but not quite the action I was hoping for. Ah well, not a bad place to be. I had the whole lake to myself, and there was new territory to look forward to tomorrow.
From here my route ascended a waytrail 1200' to the ridge above. As I was crossing the lake outlet I was
At the ridge I joined the Packed Crowded Trail and continued north. There is a small lake just off the way that was absolutely swarming with trail runners and through hikers. I grabbed a prime campsite, caught a Rainbow (why not?) from my doorstep, and went to explore another nearby lake.
This next lake I really liked. It had a decent population of fish that probably don't get a ton of pressure but gave me more refusals and short strikes than I've ever experienced on an alpine lake.
It wasn't until I spotted some cinnamon flying ants on the water and matched them that I had any success.
I'm confused; Golden Trout?
While hanging out by the lake I was visited by a curious Pica. This it the first/only good photo of one I've managed in all the years I've been in Washington. Usually they're gone by the time you get the camera out.
The following day's route crossed a steep cirque wall above my first lake on a trail often blasted into the hillside.
After an hour or so, it was time to leave the established path to work out a way down another wooded ridge to the next lake basin.
This one was more puzzling and I caught myself straying the wrong way into steep terrain. A course correction brought me back to the ridge and a welcome view of the lake, not far below. As I popped out of the woods and into the open I was surprised and a bit disappointed to meet another party ('looked like Dad and two young teens) camping in the basin. Oh well, there's enough room for everyone.
This lake had a lot of fish in it, as in A LOT. 'Biggest ones were around 11”, so – not bad, but I actually got bored with catching them. At one point while kicking back to camp I tried skating a wooly bugger on the surface 10' from my boat, and fish would fly out of the depths to hit it. Just silly.
There is an outlet stream, currently almost dried up, leading to a shallow swampy lake.
It's apparent that the fish here reproduce successfully as I observed sizes from fry up to... bigger than the main lake. Ah, a challenge! These guys were spooky as fish will be when they feel exposed. Did I mention the lack of back cast space? It took who knows how long, but I did eventually bow and arrow a fly in just so and landed a monster. Must have been at least a foot long, probably more. With that I packed up the rod and headed to dinner. Mmmmm, noodles.
Later that evening I smelled smoke and was surprised to see an obvious plume rising from the other camp. The trailhead was clearly and profusely posted with BURN BAN signs, and these nitwits think they can just risk torching the whole valley? I had a debate with myself, but eventually did go over and tell them in no uncertain terms to put the stupid fire out. Way to be a good role model for your kids, you dweeb. Jeez!
The weather had been reasonably cool, but the next day's forecast was Heat Wave, so I got an early start and headed out. The trail out isn't bad, but very steep in places. I found myself a tad nervous a few times on loose ground where a slip could easily have led to serious injury. Back to the valley, through an impressive avalanche path, into the timber and miles of trail out. Just before getting to the last chunk of road walking I nearly stepped on this well camouflaged creature, about the size and shape of a grapefruit.
Next stop; ice cream!
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