Long Lake

Long Lake and its neighbor, Fish Lake are in a narrow canyon between steep cliffs and talus slopes. The site is peaceful, lovely, and loaded with birds, notably loons and bald eagles. The sound of loon calls echoing off the canyon walls makes these lakes a worthy destination.

Unfortunately, the trail around Long Lake is not so lovely. Despite its short length and minimal elevation gain, it’s a tough hike due to a lack of maintenance. Many sections of the trail have disappeared beneath windfall trees and verdant groves of shrubs. Expect to do a lot of bushwhacking, so watch for ticks.

There are two trailheads: one at the Long Lake boat launch and another near campsite 5 (the latter with a worn-to-illegible sign). The first third of a mile from the boat launch crosses a talus slope. Some of the rocks are unstable, so test your footing.

Continue past the southern end of the lake. If you lose the trail here, look for a barbed wire fence (don’t cross it) and turn right, pass through a dip and up the other side. The trail (what there is of it) turns north, along the west side of the lake.

Make your way along it the best you can, and don’t forget to stop and enjoy the silence and the beauty around you. Near the north end of the lake you’ll cross another talus slope. Keep your eyes peeled and look through the thicket on your right to find a short causeway made of talus blocks, which allows you to cross a swampy area with dry feet. From here the trail heads uphill to its terminus at campsite 5. Walk through the campground and back to the boat launch to complete the loop.

WTA Pro Tip: Drinking water is available from an old-style hand pump in the Long Lake Campground. The Long Lake campground is great for a peaceful getaway, birdwatching, and fly fishing (no motorized boats).

WTA Pro Tip #2: Watch out for ticks — the trail can be brushy!