Yellow Pine Trail

There's ample parking and vault toilets at the trailhead. Starting at the Yellow Pine trailhead, cross the bridge and continue east for a bit until the trail turns northeast and heads through a Forest Service gate (be sure to secure it closed behind you). The trail is wide and continues steadily uphill while crossing Yellow Pine creek on several good footbridges at 1.5, 1.8, and 2.5 miles. Shortly after that third footbridge there is a very rough rocky section of trail that is worth mentioning. Don't worry as it only continues like this for about 100 yards. At about mile three the trail starts to climb above the thick trees and you start getting some terrific views of the Wasatch Range. However, the rocky way begins again here and many times the trail IS part of the rivers tributaries. I crossed water 14 times and was happy I had my waterproof boots on. This is also a steep and long climb. Continue until you reach the upper regions of the drainage and a subtle sign, in the form of a log with engraved with a chainsaw, at about 3.7 miles. Take the left trail headed west to continue to Yellow Pine Lakes. This trail dissipates after about 100 yards into a marshy section of the run off. I walked over a mile before I got to the lake. A right onto Castle Lake Trail takes you to, you guessed it, Castle Lake.