Barclay Lake

Stunning lake as the granite monolith of Baring Mountain soars skyward across the water. As many others have noted, however, you will not have this place to yourself because 1) it is a very easy hike (two short miles to the lake without any elevation gain); 2) it is a rather short drive from some nearby metro areas. Got to the trailhead at 9:15 a.m., was 11th vehicle there. While I retrieved my daypack from the pickup and laced up my boots, three other vehicles arrived. Took about 45 minutes to walk to the lake. On the way out between noon and 1 p.m., I musta passed at least 100 people heading up, many with dogs, perhaps 20. Trail very well maintained. No bugs.