Monday Hike in the Sky Lakes Wilderness 8-19-24

Photos by Linda and Randy

Ashland Hiking Home

The wind and rain from the past weekend seems to have blown away summer’s heat for the time being.

So Monday arrived as a beautiful Fall day, giving us the opportunity to hike in the Sky Lake Wilderness without any of the smoke that canceled the previous two years hiking.

Monday’s hike at the lakes was cool in the low to mid 60s with an occasional refreshing breeze under partially sunny skies.
After an 8:30 start and 55 miles to Cold Springs TH, we began the hike at 10 am. 

The 7.2 mile RT hike starts in green forest but soon enters a large burnt area from a fire some 7 or 8 years past. The sight of the downed charred logs and snags is offset by new growth including green saplings and bright pink Fireweed.

There was immediate evidence of horses on the trail as they left their calling cards along the path. We avoided the piles of “Pony Pillows” and tree roots for the most part.

We had 18 members on this favorite hike.

Just past 11am, we reached the first lake, Natasha. This is a stunningly beautiful and peaceful lake with its clear reflected green water and its welcome breeze. There were many photo opps here including our group shot with the lake in the background.

Then we continued up the Sky Lakes Trail to Lake Elisabeth, seen down below the trail through the trees.

Finally we came to Isherwood Lake, the largest of the three and an ideal lunch spot with lake views as the time ticked over to noon.

At lunch by the lake there was time to relax and reflect on this day that surprised us with cool Fall like weather and a chance to finally do this hike without choking smoke from wildfires.

About 6 of our 18 were doing this hike for the first time. Welcome!

Post hike 8 of us stopped at the Oaktree on Highway 66 for refreshments and fries.

Happy Trails,
Rich