It is time for a morning stroll with Scotty and Riley. As Lick Creek Road opens up we start working up the road to access our favorite backyard hikes. Crystal Lake is one of the first ones to be accessible.
The truth is that neither Riley nor Scotty stroll…. It was more like a power hike.
There are multiple ways to get to Crystal Lake. Today we opted for a loop.
This is the view looking north down Fall Creek.
Access to Crystal Lake from this direction requires a trip over this un-named saddle. The snow pack was perfect for climbing. It is actually easier than bare ground as all the downfall, brush, and loose dirt and rocks are covered.
At the top, it is time for some pictures.
Lunch at Crystal Lake! Riley even decided to go for a swim….. not recommend!
For our return trip, we chose the direct route down the rock face. The rock face is not my specialty but the views can’t be beat. This is one of the few areas you get a great view of the Gunsight Pass above the Middle Fork (Middle Fork of the East Fork of Lake Fork Creek).
The Rock Face! About 1000 feet below you can just make out Lick Creek Road.
Scotty hops and skips down the rock face while I look more like a grandpa with crutches.
Views!
More Views!
After a goodly amount of time zig zagging down the rock face, civilization (sort of).
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