Beaver Lake — Sunday, Apr. 9, 2017

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Beaver lake was an enjoyable little hike. Trillium, woods violets,blooming salmon berry stalks, ferns, fiddle heads, and skunk cabbage are noticeable along the sides of the trail. We saw evidence of woodpeckers. Ducks landed, skimming the water and then took flight again. I'm guessing they were Harlequin ducks. Beavers thumped the ground sounding a warning alarm of our arrival on the way in and again on the way out. The beaver dams and evidence of their logging/building efforts were fun to observe. The trail was in good condition for the most part. You will get your shoes a little muddy for sure. Three or four small trees have fallen and cross over the trail. It didn't take much effort to get over them. Two places seemed like they could be harder to cross if you had toddlers or an elderly person with you. One is along the river, in a narrow Sandy stretch. ( see pictures) the other is a muddy section where you have to choose to gush in mud, or go down a small steep decline. You could easy pass these areas. You'd need to assist someone who isn't as steady over these two places. Loved the bridge over the ponds.