Hyas Lake

Like other trail reports, it is not advisable to drive through Scatter Creek, 3 miles before the Hyas Lake trail head, unless you are driving a SUV or Subaru. A Toyota got stuck the day we went in, and it looks harder to get out then to get across, and the water height is variable, depending upon the time of day.

This being the first backpacking trip for the 10 month old, and 8 month old, our party decided to road walk toward the Hyas lake trailhead in hopes of finding a good camping spot. We made the three miles to the trail head in about 1.5hours, enjoying the scenery. The occasional car kicked up some dust, but it wasn't bad. Some nice wildflowers are still in bloom, especially paintbrush, Lupine, Tiger Lily, Columbine. Shooting stars and blue bells were out by the river.

Arriving at the trail head we learned of a campsite across the river just within sight of the parking lot (and toilet) on the Cathedral Peak trail. Thinking we had time, and wanting to see Hyas lake, we made for the trail anyway. About 1/2 mile in we hit the wall of mosquitos. Most of our group turned back while a small contingent made for the destination. The lake was much less buggy, and would have been manageable, but they came back to camp with us. We ended up camping back by the river and enjoyed the weather and scenery.