July 12 - Red Pine Lake (well almost)

 Sunny day with temps around 100 degrees - slight chance of thunderstorms (and hopefully some rain)

Heading up to Red Pine Lake for the 1st time in several years.

I arrive around 7am to a parking lot that is already 1/2 full.

Bathroom doors have a sign stating that come next year, it may cost $20 to use these trails for a week or $60 for the full year. Boo! But they do need to do something with the crowds. Only works if they enforce it though. But I probably won't be back.

I gear up and start up the trail.

I cross the bridge stopping to check out the water as it sounds so wonderful.

I then start up the first hill. Lots of White Geraniums, Thimbleberry (in bloom), Roses and Columbine.

There are a few muddy spots the trail is clear.

Many chipmunks and squirrels to be seen.

Soon I reach the trail intersection. I spot to check out the stream.

And then a short uphill to the foot bridge for a quick stop to look at the Falls.

The Falls is now called Gloria Falls -- it got it's name either just before or during the pandemic. There's a trail that continues up the Falls; also new. Big draw for families with kids. (And more cars at the trailhead.)

I continue up the trail

 to the overlook.

And then along the trail including the new(er) switchbacks. Easy going.

At the end of the switchback is the remaining part of the uphill climb up the gully - fun time. 

I find Yellow Columbine in one of the gullies.


But I can hear water so I'm close to the intersection with Maybird.

I reach the water and take a short detour

then return to the trail for the rest of the hike to the intersection with Maybird

Found a cool flower at the intersection.

Then it's through a bunch of mud, over a creek, around some trees ... but my normal trail is close. :(

Some Bog Orchids in that wet section.


I start up one of the many footpaths. I'm unsure where to go. There's 2 folks who say just go uphill. I could follow them but I try a very rocky gully. I'm not liking it in here. I see the two cross above me. I should continue climbing but I'm not comfortable. I know 100s of people climb this trail but for me, it's not worth it. I start down. Disappointing but at least I tried.

I could go to Maybird but there's poop in the chute, I need to head down or I'll be digging a hole.

Good day still even though I didn't reach my destination. (And it's not the 1st time I didn't get to Red Pine; it's like the 3rd time.) Oh well, come next year I won't have to pay $20 for the attempt.

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