Dog Lake in the Spring

Spring hiking is tricky!  I'm having a difficult time finding enough low elevation trails to hike this spring.  All suggestions would be very welcome!  I thought Dog Lake might be a good option, but it ended up being a hike of two extremes!  The first half of the hike was almost too hot (felt like July) and the second half still had four feet of snow covering the trail.  CraZy!!  It would be wise to wait until June to do this hike.  The distance to Dog Lake is 5.2 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of about 1450 feet.  

Mill D North Fork Trail to Dog Lake

Dog Lake from the Mill D North Fork trail.  From here we walked around the lake and took photos from each direction.

 The lake was just starting to melt so it was really slushy. (and so were my shoes and socks) This photo is looking back towards the Mill D North Fork trail.

This would be your view if you arrived at the lake from Millcreek Canyon on the Big Water trail.

  

 Another side of the lake!  Wishing I had my snowshoes.

 

This gives a good idea of how much snow is still on the trail and how deep.  


  

 Wildflower of the Week

This member of the sunflower family is called Arrow Leaf Balsamroot. Balsamroot has big, beautiful, yellow flowers and large grayish-green arrowhead shaped leaves.

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CraZy Hiker Chicks Top 10 Reasons to Hike

#10 Hiking is an excellent cure for boredom.

#9 Hiking will strengthen your legs.  You may even notice calf muscles.

#8 On hiking trails you meet the most friendly people.  And even friendlier dogs. 

#7 Winter hiking allows you to escape the inversion in the valley and breathe CLEAN, FRESH AIR! 

#6 Hiking relieves stress, worry and anxiety - GUARANTEED!

#5 If you are lucky you will see a variety of wildlife on your hike.  Keep your eyes open!  And look around!

#4 Hiking will improve balance, coordination and bone density because you are walking on very uneven surfaces.

#3  Hiking increases feelings of well-being and lowers depression.

******Miles hiked tally     

beginning March 22, 2013

42.8