It was a cool day with clear air on the Fish Lake Trail (FS 1013). Fourteen of us hiked up the North Fork of Little Butte Creek. Surprisingly, the creek water was lower than observed just a week before on the scouting trip, and we could now see a beaver dam slowing the water flow.
At 0.6 miles we took the trail spur to the top of the dam. There was a brisk wind on the dam as we looked across at the low lake water.
Rejoining the trail to Fish Lake, we walked through the heavily wooded forest. The trail continued with views of Fish Lake. We stopped for lunch on a giant downed log, big enough for all of us to perch on and check out the lake view.
A highlight on the return hike was a Dyer’s polypore mushroom (not edible). Dyers use this fungus to dye wool in red, brown, and yellow colors. Returning we agreed that this hike was a pleasant respite from the smoke and heat of the valley. Total hiking distance: 5 miles, little elevation change.
Driving directions to the Fish Lake Trail: Take DIM about 22 miles from Ashland, turn left onto Road #37 for about 7 miles to the Fish Lake trailhead parking pullout on the right.
Kay