Lake Irwin Loop Trail

People come to Lake Irwin Recreation Area for swimming, fishing and paddling in the lovely little lake. The scenery is spectacular, and one of the best ways to see it is to take the trail around the lake shore. This hike is easy and the rewards are great. Starting either at the parking area next to the campground or from the short path next to campsite #11, the trail heads west toward the Ruby Mountain Range which loom over the lake from nearly every vantage point. There is a small waterfall at the inlet stream below the campground with a bench for contemplation. From here, the trail sticks pretty close to the shore with abundant wildflowers in mid summer and 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks. At the northeast side of the lake, there are several private cabins and homes near the trail but they don't detract from the beauty of the walk. Fishing is claimed to be very good in this lake, especially early in the season and the shore line is very accessible. Hiking this trail in either direction is good, but for the longest views of the Ruby Range, going counter-clockwise may be a shade better.