I was fortunate to be able to do this hike one way because I had a ride. We drove across the bumping lake dam (from Rd 1800) and headed towards the Marina. There is a signed "cutoff" trail that leads you around the Marina, so we didnt have to drive very far up that dirt road before I could start my hike. Note there is no parking at the end of the road where the trailhead is, so start looking/hiking sooner if you plan to park. Once past the Marina, (~.7 miles) the trail follows the dirt road which features a few private lake cabins along the way until reaching the official trailhead (~.5 miles). The trail follows the lake for about 3 miles and though somewhat rocky in places is not highly technical. There are great views of the lake most of the way until it pulls away into the forest for the last 1.5 miles or so. Most of the trail is in the shade too. The lake is large and peaceful, with great views of the surrounding peaks, though a bit hazy from the fires today. 2-3 small creek crossings. Towards the end of the trail at the head of the lake, the trail climbs steeply before intersecting with 970. I took this trail which covers less than a mile before ending at a dirt road/TH where I met my ride. This is a very nice trail because of the views of the river which has terraced geography with cascading water at every turn. However there is a wide stream crossing where you will get wet, though not deep or dangerous. There was also a lot of dust as it appears that the equestrians enjoy this trail too (970). Note that I covered this trail to experience the Bumping Lake area first hand because some day Bumping Lake may be used to reserve additional water for the Yakima Valley, which means the water level could raise significantly. My assessment was it would need to go up more than it has gone down this season (effectively doubling the usage) to have any impact on the trail or lakeside cabins.

I led a Cascadian snowshoe to Bumping Lake on this sunny, mild day. We parked in the new Bumping Lake Sno-Park, walked across the dam, and then along the open shoreline with views of Old Scab Mtn & Nelson Ridge. We showshoed until we found a spot with a nice view of the House Rock group near where the road ends. There wasn't as much snow as I would have liked (some bare pavement on the dam and bare spots along the lakeshore) and I tried booting it for a while, but in most places the snow was a little deep for easy walking without snowshoes. The lake is frozen and made eerie sounds all day somewhat reminiscent of low-toned whale songs. After a leisurly lunch in the sun we headed back. When we were about 1/2 way back three big (4 engine) military jets flew down the lake at an altitude of about 200'. I've seen fighter jets do this going twice as fast with three times as much noise, but never big planes like these. We didn't see any wildlife, but had the entire place to ourselves -- a nice winter day in the mountains.

Springtime in November! What a surprise it was to have sunshine, white-topped mountains in the distance and green grass along the shores of Bumping Lake today - a sight one might see in April! Eleven Cascadians set out with the possibility of rain in mind. It was definitely cold when we began our hike; we were dressed in fleece layers, gloves and hats. However, those items were shed after only a mile's trek and we peeled off yet another layer as we left the wooded trail to walk along the green grassy meadows of the lakeshore. What had been under water in this reservoir during the spring and summer months, was made new with lush greens - clearly the munching grounds for elk and deer. We saw evidence of their wanderings all over these meadows. Our group walked to the end of the lake then followed a dry creek bed back into the forest (quite an obstacle course, in fact), where we met with the trail on which we'd started. I tried to wrap my arms around one of the largest Douglas Fir trees I've ever seen in these parts, but to no avail. After crossing two easily navigable creeks, counting two enormous ant hills, and putting approximately 4.3 miles on our feet, we reached the intersection of the Bumping Lake Trail and Swamp Lake Trail. There was a skiff of snow all about, with little place to sit, so we hiked another .5 mile to a higher spot above a larger running creek. The eleven of us spread out, enjoyed the sun on our backs and the sounds of the babbling waters. Today I spied only two chipmunks and one pika in my path, but overhead - and best of all - I delighted in seeing a red-headed pileated woodpecker! My treat! And to think I was reluctant to hike this trail, having put my feet on it a number of times previously! Late fall is a great time to enjoy this treasure!

We left Bumping Lake on Friday and headed out to Swamp Lake. The trail is well maintained and easy to fallow. Nice view of the surrounding mountains and very large trees were easy on the eyes. When crossing Boulder Creek and Cedar Creek gives a perfect spot to rest and cool off. In about seven hours (due to this fat guy walking up hill for eight miles) we reached Swamp Lake. A very inviting camp site and a beautiful lake that doesn’t look like a swamp. With nice brook trout and calm setting, it was nice to rest for the night. Make sure you anchor yourself down because the mosquitoes will carry you off. So lots of DEET! The next morning we awoke and had a good breakfast and headed out to Cougar Lake. Just a day trip, we left camp set up at Swamp Lake. At around a half a mile, the trail opened up onto a beautiful meadow. It almost looked like well manicured grass. And then there was snow. Just small patches but, weird to see at the end of August. As we descended into Cougar Lake, with views of hi cliff walls of granite. The lake and background were breath taking. While the young boys were ready for a cool swim. We made lunch and headed back to Swamp Lake. At Swamp Lake, we sat around the fire pit and decided to start back to the trail head. The mosquitoes were horrible and loved the three teenagers. Glad to hike the trail and would do it again. P.S. the fat guy was me!