Today I headed on a day trip to Lizard Head pass but I never made it…because I decided to check out the hiking trail to Hope Lake and boy was I glad I did. I drove up as far as I could on the dirt road and then rode my bike to the trailhead. The hike up to the Lake from the trailhead was approximately seven miles round trip. The first part of the hike was a gentle climb until I reached a series of switchbacks that took one to the high Alpine. I really liked this hike because most of the hike was out in the open. While I love hiking in dense forests there is just something about hiking in the high alpine where you can see the surrounding peaks.

When I started this hike I didn’t think I would make it to Hope Lake because I had to ride a up a steep road just to get to the trailhead…and…by the time I reached the trailhead I was already pooped. My initial plan was to hike just high enough where I could get a few good shots of the surrounding peaks.

My plans became thwarted after I hit the alpine part of the hike which was about a mile and a half in. Once I reached the alpine meadows which were in full bloom with wildflowers I became intoxicated and couldn’t stop even though I was really dragging by this time. Some of my friends probably wonder how or why I or anyone for that matter would subject their body to potential pain just to see a mountain lake, a particular mountain peak, or meadows but its an incredible adrenaline rush that drives your body and makes it possible for you to do things you never thought you could do…at least, that has been my experience. I don’t know how many times, including today, when I looked down the trail I came up and said to myself, I can’t believe I hiked or biked up that mountain but more often than not I feel good because I have accomplished something I didn’t think I could do and that is always a good thing.

While I am pretty tired as I write this blog report this afternoon I am really glad I decided to make the extra effort to reach Hope Lake. As you can see from the pictures this is a special place and it’s not often we get the opportunity to go and do what so few people ever have the opportunity to do…so…although I feel tired, I also feel very grateful at the end of the day. Tomorrow it’s off to Blue Lake. While I was hiking along today I talked to a ranger on the trail who encouraged me to check out the high alpine Blue Lakes so that is the plan for tomorrow.