Dingford Creek-Hester Lake

Make the tooth-rattling drive up six mile Dingford Road and pull into the trailhead for Dingford Creek. From here, several destinations are at your disposal. HIkers can head downhill to access the Middle Fork River Trail or Goldmyer Hot Springs, where reservations are required. Or venture around the gate at the far end of the lot to hike along the Old Middle Fork Road to Dutch Miller Gap and beyond.

But with Hester Lake as your destination, opt for the trail marked for Dingford Creek. Begin climbing immediately after leaving the trailhead. The trail leads you steeply up the hillside as you pass moss-covered boulders -- glacial erratics from a time when this area was covered by ice. Watch your step here; rocks are underfoot as well as alongside the trail, and can create a tripping hazard.

As you hike through second-growth hemlocks, you're accompanied by birdsong and rushing water from Dingford Creek to your right. About a mile in you'll pass the adorably named Pumpkinseed Falls fed by Pumpkinseed Lake high above. Take a moment to appreciate the water that glides down a 25-foot granite face into a tiny pool before running off as Pumpkinseed Creek to feed the river below. In summer, the pool provides an excellent spot to splash your face before continuing on.

After the falls the trail levels off and traverses through meadows full of vegetation including Devils Club, and more pleasantly, salmonberry. Expect to make several stream crossings that can be a bit tricky in high water before finally getting to a fork at three miles in.

At the fork, head to the right to access Hester Lake. Despite the initial downward slope, the trail to Hester Lake climbs 1000 feet in two and a half miles, stopping suddenly at the large lake. Pull out that fishing pole -- there are plenty of trout in this lake.

If fishing isn't on your agenda, grab your camera. Mount Price looms ahead of you, its craggy summit soaring to 5587 feet, and offers excellent photo ops in evening or late afternoon light. Spend some time relaxing here before heading back the way you came.