Hike: Red Pine Lake, then up to the smaller lake just above (From White Pine Trailhead)
Elevation Gain: 2,685 ft
Time: 4.5 hours (in total)
Distance: About 7.93 miles
Overall Impression: This was a beautiful, beautiful hike! The trail was mostly well marked and maintained, heading up with stunning views of the valley and canyon.
The trailhead is very easy to fine, with a big parking lot and toilets and a map. The lot was busy but the trail wasn't too bad.
I still need to learn the names of the trees and bushes and flowers, because there were lots and I can't identify them for you. In almost late July the wildflowers were starting to poke through. We crossed some babbling streams, and passed by very pretty Red Pine lake, then continued on to another lake about half a mile up.
Unfortunately we didn't exactly know where the trail was to this other lake. We walked around to the right of Red Pine, when in fact we should have gone left to follow the trail. Alas, it was still lovely.
We saw some marmot, and of course your everyday squirrels and chipmunks. We spotted a few groups of hikers but it wasn't too busy at all.
The only complaint I have is that there were lots of little flies and bugs that were quite a nuisance! I'm not sure why the bugs were out in full force! I got a few bites, but it could have been worse.
I went with a few girlfriends and know I'll have to go back to show Steve how pretty this hike is. Definitely a keeper! But with over 2,500 ft in elevation gain, it's quite the workout! My garmin told me I burned 1837 calories in this 4.5 hour hike. YES!
