West Fork Foss River and Lakes — Friday, Jul. 19, 2013

We started our journey late Friday afternoon and made it to Trout lake as the sun was setting. This leg of the trail is short and easy- Trout lake is quite beautiful in its own right. The next morning we started to the higher Copper lake, the trail winds its way around a valley and then up a series of switch backs, covering a decent vertical climb in a short distance (forgive my lack of numbers) about half way up the switchbacks, we were presented with a stunning waterfall and cliff face. Finally reaching the top of the trail, we were faced with the stunning landscape of copper lake. One minute you're heaving and gasping up a steep trail and the next- BAM- sharp, powerful rocky faces surround this deep blue mountain lake. We found ourselves an excellent out-of-the-way campground off the trail that nearly encompasses the lake itself and spent two nights there messing around on boulders and swimming in the chilly-but refreshing- water. I highly recommend the copper lake hike to anyone up for a fairly rigorous climb. I am by no means a big-shot backpacker and I sweat my fair share (and took a few breaks along the way) but every step was worth it! The trails were well maintained and there were a number of streams along the way for refilling of water bottles (I used a pump, though the water was so clear I would have dunked my head in to drink). My only negative comment would be the bugs, a few bloodsuckers here and there during the day but nothing some repellent couldn't take care of but at dusk, swarms of gnats go straight for the eyes. My suggestion: eat an early dinner, get in the tents when the bugs start coming out, play some cards and chat, then go out at dark for a night swim and star gazing.