Top Lake — Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019

First, the drive is longer than advertised. It’s about 50 minutes from US 2 to the trailhead alone. Google Maps didn’t take us anywhere near the trailhead. Basically just follow 207 from Coles Corner until you reach NF 6700 (there’s a sign, you won’t miss it). Turn left, then take the first right once you’re over the bridge, following the road to Heather Lake. Quite a while on this road and then it splits again with a sign pointing right to Top Lake. One final sign pointing left to the trailhead (I think it’s NF 500, not 400 as the driving directions say, but either way there is a large sign... you won’t miss it).

My wife and I arrived at around 10:45 AM on a clear Saturday morning and there were 6 cars in the circle parking area. We didn’t see anybody else on the trail at all until we reached the lake, and only 7 or so hikers on our way back to the car.

The trail begins through dense forest, slightly overgrown in places. The trail itself is very well maintained and easy to follow. It eventually reaches a wide area charred from a forest fire, which is super cool to walk through. From this point, there are near constant partial-to-full views of the nearby mountains. Once through the burnt section, the trail goes back into forest along a ridgeline until a brief gravelly rise and descent again through 100 feet or so of chalky white rock. Before long you arrive at the bright green slope of an alpine meadow with great views all around. The trail enters the forest once again for the last long descent DOWN to Top Lake. The lake is large, lovely, and peaceful. A nice place to relax and lunch before the tough climb back up to the ridge. Once that part’s done, though, it’s easy going back to the trailhead.

I can’t believe how few people we saw on this trail on a mostly sunny day. I’d say it’s probably an Intermediate level trail overall. It’s got nice variation in landscape, awesome views, and a beautiful destination. Definitely worth checking out.