We arrived at the trailhead around 1 PM during the heat of the day. The trail is mostly exposed, with limited shade, and most of the elevation gain occurs early on. After that, the path gently meanders through the valley, offering scenic views and a few spots to stop and filter water.
Little 8 Mile Lake was a beautiful midpoint—perfect for a snack break and a cool-down. From there, we continued on to 8 Mile Lake, where we found an excellent campsite overlooking the water.
We were fortunate to catch the Perseid meteor showers under clear skies. Even with a nearly full, bright moon, we saw several meteors each night. Wildlife was active around our camp, with two bucks and a doe visiting nightly. Like the mountain goats in other alpine areas, they seemed to be in search of salt—something to consider if you're venturing off-trail for bathroom breaks instead of using the semi-clean toilet nearby.
The lake was full of trout and an ideal temperature for swimming. While exploring the shoreline, we found a peaceful sandy cove. The area is alive with wildlife: hummingbirds, chipmunks, hawks, pika, and an unidentified predator that had clearly been feasting on crayfish—based on the remains and scat we saw.
Sunrise and sunset were stunning. Even with the burn scars in the valley, the views were magnificent. Overall, this was a truly memorable alpine lake trail.
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