Eightmile Lake #1552

I am giving this hike four stars (out of five) because the beautiful fall colors saved it from being only a two or three. I know there must be some beauty in seeing the forest regenerate after fire. But, I thought it was sad to wonder how beautiful it would have been had the trees not been all burned up. Don't get me wrong, the lake was very scenic. It was about 20 feet low attesting to the very dry past 12 months. There was a dusting of snow on the highest peaks, and the fall colors of the lowland trees were glorious. From deep green to brown, red, orange, then bright yellow. I was hoping to see these colors and it was actually stunning. The trail is an easy stroll, and there is an interesting dam and waterway (constructed many decades ago) crumbling at the foot of the lake to explore. For the most part the hike is as described. I knew there was a ""fire area"" to pass through. I just didn't realize the extent of damage there would be to the forest. All-in-all a great way to spend a sunny fall day.