Wabasso Lake - 2016

A nice hike with a trailhead only ten miles from the campground. When we arrived just before noon we were the only car in the parking lot. We didn't run into any other hikers until we were half way back to the car. A nice way to hike!

Right off the trailhead were these two bushes, one with orange berries and...

one with red berries.

At 1 mile we crossed this stream and had some nice views of the surrounding peaks.

Clover

We climbed this ridge and had some fine views.

Maybe you can see Mt. Edith Cavell (snow covered peak) peeking over the ridge on the other side of the valley.

Canada Goldenrod

Our lunch spot on Lake Wabasso.

Lunch view. 

We enjoyed seeing the activity on and just under the surface of the lake. There were lots of insects on the still lake and...

we could see fish jumping out of the lake to get their lunch. If you click on this picture to enlarge it you might be able to see the fish in the center of the picture.

Mountain Harebell. I know we've shown these before, but they are so tiny and precious.

This is Nick, from outside Perth, Australia. He was hiking solo and would bang on these sticks to alert any bears who might be on the trail. We had a nice little chat.

Common Gaillardia; Brown-eyed Susan

Timber Milkvetch

Frederick standing in a field of Eschscholtz's Buttercup.

Close-up of the buttercups.

Just as we were almost back to the parking area, this ruffed grouse stepped onto the trail, startled us, and then went back into the tall grass beside the trail.

I followed it a little ways and marveled at its camouflage.

Today's hike:

Length - 4.8 miles

Duration - 2 hours, 59 minutes (including lunch)

Elevation gain - 640 feet (64 floors on the Fitbit)