Near Lake Ethel Trail #7164
Reflections on Lake Ethel as the sun sets on a quiet July evening.
Near Lake Ethel Trail #7164
Lake Ethel is set in a rocky basin, as seen from the north on Lake Ethel Trail.
Near Lake Ethel Trail #7164
Lake Ethel from its north shore, on a sunny July afternoon.
Near Lake Ethel Trail #7164
Lake Christina is seen from Lake Ethel Trail, at its north end.
Near Lake Ethel Trail #7164
Lake Christina is in the distance, with Perry Lake closer by when hiking high on Lake Ethel Trail.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Lake Ethel Trail #7164

3.0 (1 Rating)
Path through the woods that visits many mountain lakes.
4.8
mi
Distance
1,170
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Commonly BackpackedFishingLakeLakefrontViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
USFS rules, please: - camp at least 200 feet away from lakes, creeks, and trails. - leash dogs in crowded areas - follow Leave No Trace Principles

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.81mi
Distance
1,170ft
Elevation Gain
153ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
9,714ft
High Point
8,684ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Lake Ethel Trail connects Boulder Canyon Trail #7113 and Highline Trail #7094. It is typically part of a longer hike. As described here, it starts at the 6.3 mile mark along Boulder Canyon Trail #7113. Starting at the outlet creek - Boulder Creek North Fork, of Lake Ethel, the lake comes into view almost immediately. It is to the right (east), as Lake Ethel Trail is flat as it passes the lake along its shoreline. Leaving Lake Ethel behind, in the thin, rocky woods, the trail climbs gradually to Lake Christina. The trail is again flat as it runs along the west and then north shorelines of Lake Christina. After passing Lake Christina by the 3.3 mile mark, Lake Ethel Trail climbs gradually, as the woods become thinner and rockier, to pass two more cute, small lakes - Perry Lake (3.8 mile mark) and Macs Lake (4.5 mile mark). Lake Ethel Trail then ends at Highline Trail #7094, after a total of 4.7 miles. In the thin, rocky woods, there are good views of all the lakes as they are approached, passed, and left behind.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Joan Pendleton