![]() Another great spot to listen is where the creek exits the Upper Lake, from here sight and sound mingle with the mountain breezes. I can sit and listen to the forest here for hours. We made a short stop at a Silver Creek crossing and admired its winsomeness as it flowed through moss-covered rocks and snow. After a steep climb out of the ravine we found a ribbon pointing us towards a reroute and it wasn't far at all before we reached the main trail to Silver Lakes. We lost the trail here for a moment because it had morphed into a creek, appearing to end. Near the trail junction was the first snow we encountered. I would probably never camp there with the lakes being so close but it is nice to know they are there and they do make for a pleasant resting place. On the last plateau before the junction there are a few nice camping sites next to the creek. Townsend, turning right ends at Upper Silver Lake. At this junction going left will take you to Mt. I can't remember but it seems like there are three plateau's where you will climb very steeply and then level off a bit before reaching the main trail junction to Silver Lakes. I remember it looking like a animal trail, now it is a definite footpath with a lot of ribbon in the trees to mark the way. There has been a lot of trail work and looks used much more than in the past. It didn't take too long to reach the first crossing of Silver Creek after which we began 4.8km (3mi) climb to Silver Lakes. As a result you begin in a dog-hair forest which is a result of second-growth trees rapidly growing and choking out all vegetation on the forest floor. ![]() Silver Lakes Trail begins at the edge of an old clearcut. The cloud diffused light that reached the forest was the most beautiful I have seen in a long time and made for a lovely beginning to our hike. We left our house with thoughts of hiking in either rain or snow so we were quite surprised to find the drive up completely snow free and no rain. Lots of parking on the right just past the trailhead. There is no trail sign, Silver Lakes Way Trail begins at a marker named 300 which is in front of a huge boulder next to a turn in the road. Continue up the road another 8.8km (5.5 mi) and pass the parking lot for Tubal Cain, Gold Creek, and Little Quilcene trails. This will be the last toilet you will see, after this it will be cat-holes and trees. Besides traffic and potholes be on the lookout for large rocks in the road.įS2860 will take you past the huge parking across a bridge for access to Upper Dungeness, Lower Dungeness, and Royal Basin trails. The road is graded in the early spring but doesn't stay smooth for long and you will have plenty of practice in pothole maneuvers. The road is narrow with plenty of pull outs that very few drivers have the courtesy of using to let oncoming traffic go by. The growing popularity of Royal Basin, Upper Dungeness, and Tubal Cain trails make this a busy road with a lot of tight turns. However, to us "journey" folk the drive is a scenic wonder. To most it may seem long, especially to "destination" people. I always enjoy driving forest service roads and FS2860 is one of my favorites. Growing up in Alaska I've learned not to take nature for granted, she has a way of teaching us a lesson at the very moment we quit paying attention. Stories seem endless about someone out for a day hike, gets lost, and either loses their life or need rescuing. A perfect example of how quickly events can change in the wilderness, how important it is to be prepared, and to have skills capable of dealing with these changes when they arise. We had a shiny new tent we wanted to test, Deborah needed a reset from work, and I am always eager to backpack.Īs it turned out, this would be a hike of two trails - The first day was dry and the second day the trail was under a foot of snow. Me and Deborah were going to go regardless of what the weather. Barking Sasquatch's daughter's had no intention of snow camping so he decided not to go. ![]() Rain was in the forecast and then snow, back to rain, returning to snow two days before our planned hike. We had two weeks to watch the weather before heading up the trail. There is no trailhead sign other than a road marker that has 300 written on it. I think the official name is Silver Lakes Way Trail if there is an official name. The plan was to reach the lakes using what I call the Silver Creek Trail. Originally posted MaA Tale Of Two Trails.Ī friend of ours invited us on an over nighter to Silver Lakes.
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