So many of my favorite places in the park are not just beautiful destinations but amazing journeys. Today our destination was Pear Lake, and I decided to reach it via "the elevator" alongside Cony Creek. A mile of tumbling water and the last of the season's wildflowers started the adventurous part of the hike. There is a log crossing along the way, and I always joke that this is it. Join me next time on this hike and you find out what it really looks like.
Another perfectly calm day as we reached Finch Lake. I'm beginning to think that the wind is always calm here - I have so many perfect reflection photos.
A few miles further up Cony Creek, we reached our destination, Pear Lake. It used to be one of the reservoirs in the park, along with Bluebird, Sandbeach and Lawn. After the Lawn Lake dam broke, they dismantled the remaining dams. There are still signs of the previous shoreline, but many small shrubs have sprung up among the rocks. Copeland Mountain rises from the far side of the lake.
Merika, Maggie. Tim, Morgan (with Muneca), Dawn, Theresa, James, Marybeth and Tommie at Pear Lake.
The Hoefts had an ambitious week of hiking ahead of them. I think this photo shows that they had not completely adjusted to the lack of oxygen.
It's not often that Muneca and I get our own photo. It seemed fitting that it was at Pear Lake in light of the many memories I have of it. We have often camped at Pear on our anniversary - hours of incredible scenery accompanied only by the sounds of the wind and a few birds. Fishing in the early morning and early evening. Hiking through meadows of avalanche lilies. Exploring Hutcheson Lakes. Plenty to do for several days.
The bottom part of 'the elevator' is aptly named, except that there is no motorized assistance.
At the end of the hike, we hopped over to Copeland Falls. The trailhead is close, but the falls look so inviting. One day, I'm going to have a nice swim in there. Anyone have a wetsuit?
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