A secluded tarn tucked in a cleft high on Mount Constance, this little lake's setting is awesome. Gaze into turquoise waters reflecting sheer cliff faces spiraling to the heavens. But to reach this stunning scene, you too must spiral to the heavens. The trail is a climber's path, re-quiring stamina, sure footing, and the use of hands. The elevation gain is insane: 3300 feet in 2 miles. To those prepared and skilled, this hike can be rewarding; to others it can be dangerous.

When you get right down to it, there are only two bad sections to this route: the first half and the second half. From the get-go the trail wastes no time in testing the laws of gravity. However, despite its arduous approach, Lake Constance is a popular destination for bivouacking alpinists as well as for a substantial number of tenacious hikers.

Head straight up the extremely narrow draw cut by Constance Creek, clambering over root and rock. Big Doug-firs tower above, keeping the hillside anchored and preventing slumping into the Dosewallips. Under a canopy of mature evergreens and along the crashing, bashing creek, the way is cool despite its south-facing aspect. Pass by numerous picturesque cascades-many are fine destinations in themselves if you find yourself questioning continuing.

Giant boulders litter the forest floor, including a couple of mini Rocks of Gibraltar. After gaining 1600 feet in just over 0.75 mile, the trail grants you a reprieve. Enter a tranquil glen, where even Constance Creek takes a break from working hard. The relief is brief though; the trail resumes its mountainside attack with even more fury. As the valley closes in, the trail has no choice but to go right up the creek bed. It's a rocky, brushy affair and, depending on water flow, wet as well.

The worst of this gauntlet is next. The route leaves the creek, ascending straight up the wall of the narrow draw. It's steep but not exposed. Using your hands and "spider strength,"scale up the abrupt slope. Occasionally look back at The Brothers hovering in the distance. Finally, at the brink of exhaustion, on what is probably the 2 hardest miles of your hiking career, enter the hidden basin housing Lake Constance. Its beauty should take away what little breath you have left.

Despite such a rugged setting beneath the Olympic Mountains' third-highest summit, the lakeshore is fragile. Please walk lightly and respect areas closed for restoration. Walk 0.3 mile on a trail along the eastern shore to an open area of talus and boulders for a good place to sit in the sun above the lake. Nurse those knees for the descent.