Wall Lake Trail

A popular backpacking trail, Wall Lake Trail starts climbing gently from the trailhead, through meadows created by the Big Fish fire of 2002. At roughly 3/4 mile, the Wall Lake Trail meets the Carhart trail and turns sharply to the right. After this junction, the trail climbs more steeply, crossing a creek or two. At around 10,000 feet, it begins to switchback then crests and levels off at Oyster Lake Trail. (You could make this a loop by taking Oyster Lake Trail to Big Fish Trail to Himes Peak Trail, but then you miss out on Wall Lake.) Continue on for a little over a mile over the tundra. Because of its elevation, the higher parts of the trail will likely have snow or mud through June. Wall Lake is 4.2 miles from the trailhead, and it's very clear how it got its name. Though backpackers will be plentiful in the beginning of your journey, you'll likely see no one at all once you get to the lake. Sit down by the lake, jump in for a swim, and have a nice lunch before turning back around. Be sure to bring sunscreen and bug spray--the mosquitos can be voracious.