Merritt is a popular lake-in fact crowded at times-but not much of a lake. The trail is good and the old-growth forest appealing, but the lake itself is swarming with mosquitoes, shallow and grassy, and with a shoreline trampled by overuse. Merritt appears to lack much merit. A trip in fall, however, when the buzzing buggers are absent and deciduous shrubs streak the lake basin red and yellow, has its charms. And if you want adventure, find Lost Lake, the largest lake on Nason Ridge and one whose tough approach keeps visitation down.

Like Lower Lena Lake in the Olympics, Merritt attracts throngs of hikers from all walks of life. And like Lena the trail shows scars from the less enlightened. Set a good example by not cutting switchbacks and help educate those tempted to do so.

In mature timber, head off on a dusty and brushy-at-times but generally good trail. Steadily climbing along a rib, the trail winds through small openings and beneath a canopy made up in part of impressive giant ponderosa pines. Big Doug-firs begin to add to the old-growth mix. As you ascend steeply at times and with aid of switchbacks, Mahar Creek can be heard tumbling in the distance.

Traverse above cliff and talus and enjoy a window view east out to Alpine Lookout. At 2 miles, shortly after crossing a small creek, reach a junction with the Nason Ridge Trail (elev. 4850 ft). Follow this trail, the more beaten way, to the right on a gentle 0.5-mile journey, passing a small bog and crossing Mahar Creek before reaching Merritt Lake (elev. 5000 ft). Set in a forested cirque beneath craggy ridges, the lake does not have a shoreline with many good spots for lounging.

To find Lost Lake, continue on the Nason Ridge Trail for another 0.5 mile, climbing 300 feet to an unmarked junction. Follow an unmaintained but very obvious and used trail left, climbing another 250 feet to a forested saddle. Enjoy excellent views of Merritt Lake along the way. Ignore side trails (unless you want to explore view-providing knolls). Continue straight through heather meadows, and then drop steeply 600 feet to Lost Lake (elev. 4930 ft), set in a cirque beneath Mount Mastiff. You'll find a lot fewer people here, but probably the same quantity of swarming mosquitoes.