I met a new friend while hiking to Timberline in a snow storm mid-June this past summer. He came back up to enjoy Fall hiking with his family and indulged me in sneaking in a long hike to the most picturesque lake. As promised I’m sharing the fun foray into my pseudo-guiding experience, which I hope this homage matches their graciousness for such an incredible day of hiking. Enjoy the views!
Black Canyon Lake
When Zach and I met, we were grateful to not be alone in the snow storm that surrounded us as we daintily crossed wet slick logs across a creek on our way towards Timberline Lake. In questionable conditions, it’s nice to have a buddy. We soaked in the views quickly that day and relished the magic of snowflakes in June.
By the time we returned to the trailhead we were fast friends. Also, the sun came out to laugh at us. A few days later we went on a shorter, easier, warmer hike with a neighbor friend of mine. Bonding over photography, we planned to keep in touch.
So when Zach let me choose the hike for him and his family during his recent early fall visit, I aimed for the best fishing lake in the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness and the lake that boasts the best view: Black Canyon Lake. They like to fish. They like nice views. What could be a better option than pairing the two for them? The hike up Lake Fork happens to be a straightforward trail with very little gain until the final mile ish. The total mileage though…it’s a whopping 14-mile journey.
We started late, which allowed me to work an hour and half before we left for the trailhead. Once we arrived the sun shone brightly with the warmth filtering through the trees for a picture perfect day of hiking ahead of us. The trail parallels a creek the entire route so there was much to admire as the water burbled over rocks to our right. The gradual uphill climb left us able to chat the entire time too.
Zach and his sister admiring Lake Fork of Rock Creek.
At the five-mile mark there is a bridge that is perfect for a snack break with a view. From this turn, you have to be comfortable hiking along a social trail that is unmarked; my chance to guide began in this spot. Up into the forest we trekked, through the marsh, climbing into a side canyon, smiling all the way. I missed the left turn due to chatting too much but knew it almost immediately. Don’t worry, I missed the exact same turn on the way back for precisely the same reason. *Curtsy
The family in action.
At least this year I kept to the right side and stayed on trail unlike my foolish suggestion to Wolverine Whisperer the previous year to boulder hop up to the lake “because it looked so close”. Now, we climbed along the easy to follow but not so easy to climb steep trail towards the lake.
Climbing massive boulders was a fun side quest during the day.
Initial views of Black Canyon Lake awed and inspired immediate photo taking behaviors. My following carousel of duplicate images of the stunning turquoise lake are unedited for your viewing pleasure. I hope you feel as if you’re in the moment with us. We even lucked out by having the outlet and views to ourselves. Soak that in.
I wish I could say the return route was quick and painless. But it was a long march back to the trailhead. Since the trail is a single line along the creek, it’s easy on the way back but mentally tough. The group were troopers though and we made it in time to capture the cotton candy sky. What a day. What a gorgeous route.
What fun humans to spend a special hike with! Thanks for trusting me with a bit of off-route finding and cheers to another adventure in the AB Wilderness during the next season! (Snowshoeing to Black Canyon Lake for some ice skating anyone? Haha and wink wink!) Maybe next time, Zach, you will get to fish at Black Canyon and catch some Yellowstone Cutthroat. Where shall we scheme next? Thanks for the adventure!
I couldn’t forget to add an entire section dedicated to “positive ions”. You’re welcome.
Ok, and one sneak peak at autumn!