Eightmile Lake

We got an early start with the plan to hike to Lake Caroline. When we got to the 2.8 mile junction we misread the temporary sign for Lake Caroline and a half mile later we ended up at Eightmile Lake. We continued on the trail above the shore to the end of the lake where we stopped briefly to observe a pair of Dippers on the shore. Back tracking on the trail we found a great spot to remove our daypacks & stretch out. We were suprised and delighted to discover a Northern Alligator lizard joining us as we ate our lunch. We focused our attention on the lizard until the clouds that had been obstructing our view across the lake lifted revealing the magic of this alpine lake. The fall colors along this trail caused one of hikers to make the comment that they now had a new appreciation of Bracken fern and Thimbleberry. We'll look forward to hiking Lake Caroline another day, glad for the opportunity of spending the afternoon on the shores of this beautiful lake. If you're in the Leavenworth area or wanting a quick escape to an Alpine Lake this would be a good hike.