Needed a good easy hike for the beginning of the year, the Lost Lake to Long Lake trail (#1145) is short but has a good moderate climb and was not too long for those of us who are completely out of shape.
Drove to Lost Lake, donned a 25 pound pack and headed up to Long Lake. Actually was a nice workout as the hike is 1.9 miles long with a elevation gain of 500 feet. Perfect for me right now. Was nice and quiet on the way up with a good view of Jumpoff Lookout on Divide Ridge. Only one blow-down (easily navigated) along the way. No snow, but a few small mud-holes to circumvent and small shale-like rocks are scattered along the whole trip. Surprisingly not a single mosquito was seen or felt.
Reached Long Lake (4300 ft) and there were campers under an lean-to style shelter. There is a road that people can use to drive directly to Long lake and they apparently had done so.
To extend the hike and because of the interesting name I just had to visit Pickle Prairie Meadow. Only a half mile further, Pickle Prairie was a nice treat as the meadow was full of little white flowers (not strawberry) and large light green plants with large leaves (need to learn about my vegetation).
After a short break I headed back down the trail to Lost Lake for a few hours of fishing. Great little workout for those looking for that very first day hike.
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