Autumn foliage was spectacular on the Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge. We managed to visit for peak Quaking Aspen color, but many other tree and shrub species also were colorful, including Black Cottonwoods and Suksdorf's Hawthorn.
The vault toilets at the trailhead are unlocked, but bring your own TP because they have not been serviced since the start of the federal government shutdown.
We always hike the loop counter-clockwise from the trailhead, going out along the lakebed and returning through the forest after lunch.
We encountered only a couple of other hikers on the trail, so we were able to walk at a leisurely pace while we took photos and listened and looked for birds.
The trail was in good condition except for a couple of fallen trees that have to be climbed over.
We stopped for lunch at Willard Springs, site of the old Willard homestead. The springs were not flowing; it will take winter rain and snow to recharge them with water.
We stopped in Trout Lake for dinner at Mount Adams Pizza, which has both indoor seating and a dog-friendly patio. Service is prompt and we like the wide selection of pizzas on the menu.
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