Going here on a beautiful Friday before the weekend crowds proved to be a great idea. Started off at 8am with several cars already at the trailhead, but they must have all been backpackers because I never encountered any day hikers who would've started before me, so I was the first day hiker of the day at least for Crater Lakes. First 3/4 of a mile is open to motocross but did not encounter any bikes that day anyways. Then the trail to Crater Lakes is absolutely fantastic. Only a couple very brief steeper sections otherwise gradual or moderate grade, with a nice tread. About 1/2 mile before the lower lake is the first view of larches, then when you arrive to the lake the larch views really slap you in the face; what a gorgeous golden backdrop they were. The trail itself doesn't reach the lake shore so find one of the multiple little boot paths that lead to the lake. Got there a bit after 10am and had the whole lake to myself! The trail to the upper lake is nice and easy to follow, and the upper lake is even better, much more surrounded by larches. Be sure to follow the path along the left side of the lake then you will get more views looking the other way toward Raven Ridge, a Bulger Top 100 peak. I again had this lake to myself until some departing backpackers and a day hiking group arrived as I was about to set off. On the way out I encountered several more groups and when I got back to the trailhead, it was full with more backpackers still arriving, so I timed this hike perfectly!
Larches were close to peak but with still some green, so this coming week they will be at full peak!
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