The local tip we got from the guys working at Smiley Creek Lodge didn't disappoint. We set out here at the trailhead for a five mile hike into Hell Roaring Lake.
The steepest parts of the trail were right at the start and toward the end of the trail, just before reaching the lake. And these steeper climbs were nothing as strenuous as the hike we pursued a couple years ago. This was a relatively level hike, a very gradual climb.
Shortly into the hike, the weather was already heating up and a quick head dunk in the river was too tempting to resist.
This felt so refreshing...it was a hot day.
We stopped about half way in for a light lunch/snack of summer sausage, cheese & crackers, apples, granola bars, and plenty of water.
These maps show our route.
We made it! A fellow hiker took this photo for us.
A little celebratory "hikers' champagne!" Refreshing.
 |
| Gary waving from a rock in the water. |
 |
| That's me, looking up at the "Finger of Fate." |
What a beautiful place and a gorgeous day!
 |
| Tried to brighten up our shadowed faces, but now we look a little orange. Don't worry; we did wear sunscreen. ☺ |
We serendipitously stumbled upon this little pond just off the trail. It had a lot of frogs and tadpoles in it, which made us miss Gordy and Grayson. They would love it here!
 |
| Frog, calmly floating in the pond. |
 |
| Almost back to the Jeep. We were tired and ready for some refreshments. |
 |
| We enjoyed cold iced tea and chilled blueberries from our cooler when we reached the Jeep. |
 |
| This is what my pedometer showed when we returned from our hike. |
What a great day and a rewarding hike!
No comments:
Post a Comment