Length
Elevation Gain
Highest Point
With sweeping views of Coldwater Lake from the top, hikers gradually descend to a much more up-close lake experience, as they finish at a junction midway up the Lakes Trail. From this junction, visitors can turn left and walk a short ways up the Lakes Trail, where a small beach is the perfect place to enjoy the lake.
If interested, it's possible to continue on the Lakes Trail for many miles, heading deep into the Mount Margaret backcountry. But you'll need a permit to camp overnight. Otherwise, simply turn around and head back uphill along the Elk Bench trail, back to those stunning views.
It is also possible to access this trail by starting from the Lakes Trail trailhead, though this approach extends your hike considerably.
Trailhead
