For years, a group of friends and I have had a tradition. We squeeze everything we need for a weekend into our backpacks. We strap on our fly rods. Then we trek to a high country lake for a weekend of fly fishing and camping. After a while, it became harder and harder to find dates that would work for everyone. One year, in particular, there was no hope. But that wasn’t going to stop me from getting some Cutty time.

I would pick a weekend and head in alone. I’ve camped alone before and had been to this location many times. This trip, however, would be the furthest into the woods I had ever ventured alone. The overall experience is one I will remember for a long time to come.

Where to:

This location is very dear to me. I was introduced to it about seven years ago. A good friend of mine at the time took my brother and a few friends on our first trip. I am hopeful it will be a place I can enjoy for the rest of my life.

The lake sits close to 12,000 ft. The hiking trail isn’t easy with 1,965 ft of elevation gain and 7.4 miles out and back. This is the case if you start at the top of the off-road trail. Only an off-road worthy vehicle can conquer it. Typically this is true for us. However, this year, because I drove up in my 2wd Honda Accord Coupe, I would have to hike. It is the 2.5-mile off-road trail that began at the lower car camping site. I am not even sure how much elevation gain was added but it isn’t a flat off-road trail. Despite these challenges, the desire to reach the lake was unstoppable. We craved relaxation and the thrill of catching monster fish.

Heading in

It’s a bit of a drive for me to the trailhead at about three and a half hours. To try and make the most of my weekend I like to leave really early. Helps to beat the traffic as well. It was a calm morning and an easy drive, allowing me to capture the above shot of the fog. I was Ignorant at the time of the foreshadowing it represented.

The hike overall although tough is great! The upper parking lot itself if you can reach it with a 4×4, has an excellent view. A reward for me after hiking the 2.5-mile road.

Beyond that, there is another incline to the first pass.  This section of the hike provides excellent views of the mountain’s east and west sides. From there, you head straight down into the valley. The creek runs with thousands of wildflowers. Scattered pine trees add to the scenery.

This part of the hike is the easiest. It is also the most enjoyable because of the flatland and the surrounding views. It doesn’t last too long and quickly turns back into the dense forest. This year the trail experienced a large amount of runoff. This was due to above normal winter snow-pack and recent heavy rain. This resulted in very thick brush and sloppy hiking conditions. As you continue to walk, the sound of the creek grows louder. You get closer to the waterfall and the stream crossing.

After the creek crossing begins the final ascent and it is not an easy one. Switchbacks galore! You cut back and forth working up the mountainside. Eventually, you reach an opening. It’s back at the creek you crossed at the bottom. This a welcome sign as it means you are almost at the lake!

Camping and fishing

Year after year we have camped in the same spot on a ridge about 50 yards from the lake. This campsite has a large fire pit and can house a couple of tents and a few hammocks. Typically it is perfect for our group but this year I didn’t need all that space. Instead, I camped relatively close to that area. I made a small fire pit that would accommodate myself rather than eight people. I was fortunate to find a perfect sitting rock that I could build my fire next to. This provided an excellent prepping area for my meals as well.

After setting up camp, (before starting a fire) it was time to fish! This lake is a beautiful and bountiful place. The fishing is a superb mix of wild Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Cutbow trout and the views are outstanding. The fish reside far from accessible roads. For this reason, they are eager to take dry flies throughout most of the ice offseason. Elk Hair Caddis and Stimulators are the names of the game. There is one location in particular on the lake that is especially forthcoming with fish. If you can cast out to where the shelf drops off, you get slammed on every presentation.

After an evening of reeling in some of the most beautiful trout out there, it was time to cook dinner. Then,I settled down for the night. The trek from the camping spot to the primo fishing spot is at most 100 yards. You will cross over some rocks and a small stream. The stream runs between the campsite and the lake making it nicely situated for filtering cooking and drinking water. I built a small fire in my fire pit and cooked my dehydrated backpacking meal.

While relaxing and eating dinner, out of nowhere come running two fully grown Great Danes. Not really what I was expecting at this moment. Luckily for me, they were quite friendly. Their owner walked up looking for a campsite not far behind and directed them away with her. As I was finishing up with my meal and cleaning my dishes the dogs made frequent visits. Getting called back each time. The night went on, the stars came out in their glory and the dogs visiting stopped. I put out my fire, hung my bear bag and hunkered down in my hammock for the night.

The night was excellent with light rain and cool air. Waking up in the morning was just as pleasant. I sat up in my hammock. Reluctantly, I put on my shoes to take a leak. I wanted to see if Yogi Bear stole my “picnic basket”. Hanging right where I left it, I lowered my bear bag and quickly retreated back to my warm hammock. Not long after breaking out my stove kit and coffee arrived some new friends.

Two young whitetail deer were very curious about the breakfast I was about to cook up. Years prior we had a deer that discovered a mysterious pile of flour near camp. We have no idea where the flour came from but the deer loved it. You can practically walk up and touch the deer while it was lapping up the flour. This morning, these two deer curiously circled my hammock. They were more skittish and ran off when I came out from under my cover. As the morning set in so did the fog. The moment the picture I had taken driving down had been foretelling.

It was truly remarkable how quickly the clouds would move in and out. One moment it was clear the other the fog completely camouflaged the mountainside on the far side of the lake. It was strange how comforting the ominous movement of the fog was.

After a few more small but beautiful fish in the AM, I called it and packed up my gear. Squeezing everything back down into my pack for the trek back to the car.

Heading out

The trip down wasn’t too bad. The skies stayed cloudy as I descended the switchbacks into the valley. The last uphill descent to the pass that leads you back to the parking area is a straight, steep incline. Reaching the top revealed one more patch of fog. Then came the final push down to my car at the lower lot.

The final downhill section of the hike, turning back into the road wore me out. Nearing the end of my journey, a jeep was coming down the offroad trail. It slowed to ask me if I needed a ride. It was the lady with the two Great Danes. I passed. I was pretty close to the end and wanted to complete my solo journey. There didn’t seem to be much room left in her jeep with those giant dogs anyhow. Regardless, I appreciate that she stopped to offer. On the off chance that you read this, thank you. Reaching my Honda I was left exhausted yet totally refreshed. The rewards of heading out on your own with only a backpack full of equipment is hard to beat. I love seeking pristine locations and fishing opportunities. I treasure the trips with friends and family. However, this trip gave me a thirst for many more solo quests.