Smith Creek Lake

In June the Patrol headed to the Trinity Mountain area to hike to Smith Creek Lake. This time of year access to the top of Trinity Mountain and its many hiking trails is limited by a motor vehicle gate. Just before the gate you can find the parking area and trail head that takes you north west to Smith Creek Lake. As soon as the pickup doors opened we felt the chilled air and realized that it was still very cool at this altitude. Undeterred (and motivated to move by a three hour drive) the boys pulled on the packs and hit the trail.

The trail was a little more challenging than anticipated with a fair amount of elevation change and some very green hikers. The boys persevered though, and we arrived at a suitable campsite (about half a mile from the lake) at dusk. After setting up tents we started a fire and the boys broke out their solid fuel tablet stoves to prepare dinner, which consisted mainly of ramen noodles and mountainhouse meals. Worn out from the hike everyone slept soundly, despite the chilly night.

The next morning we enjoyed an oatmeal breakfast, shared some stories about young Ammonite warriors and hiked without packs up to the lake. The area was very beautiful but very unique. A large wildfire swept through this area a few years ago and it is just now starting to recover. After hiking and messing around the lake it was time to hike out. Most endured this well, but some were a little cranky and tired by the time we got to the trucks. All and all a great adventure and a new area checked off the bucket list.

Ready at the trail head.

Leftovers from previous Scout troops.

Our campsite for the night; we'd just packed up and were heading up to the lake.

Smith Creek Lake

 A Scout Father pulling double duty, carrying one of the Scout's packs.

Made it back! Celebrate with some Takis. 

Note the Trooper on the far right; he was not a happy hiker at this point in the day.