Frederick & Dale - "We're thinking of hiking the Two Oceans Lake trail."
Ranger - "That would be a bad idea!" She then went on to tell us that trees were down across the trails and most were snow covered. She suggested the Hermitage Point hike which begins right here at Colter Village Marina.
From the trailhead, we continued along the Colter Bay Marina and these spectacular views of the Teton Mountains.
We took a side trail up a hill that was called Jackson Lake Overlook. We later read in a trail guide the suggestion to skip the Overlook because the views were not worth the 150 foot climb. The mountain views were nice, but we couldn't see Jackson Lake.
At the one mile mark we reached the north end of Heron Pond. In addition to the mountain views, the lake boasts numerous Rocky Mountain pond lilies which thrive in the shallow waters.
We passed a beaver lodge and saw dozens of Canadian geese, some mallard ducks but no great blue heron, the pond's namesake.
Our lunch spot at Hermitage Point. Hermitage Point is the tip of a peninsula that extends four miles into Jackson Lake.
Our lunch view was of the Teton peaks on the left and Mt. Moran on the right.
The Teton peaks and...
Mt. Moran.
This was a loop trail and on the way back we passed by Swan Lake. Beaver are principally responsible for the existence of Swan Lake. As at Heron Lake, we did not see any of the rare trumpeter swans which give this lake its name.
Like Heron Lake, Swan Lake is covered with water lilies. Over time, these lilies, together with other vegetation and debris washed in by streams, will gradually fill up the lake bottom. Trees and shrubs will encroach from the sides and eventually the lake will be no more.
Today's hike:
Length - 10.35 miles
Duration - 4 hours, 52 minutes
Elevation gain - 851 feet
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