Ancient Lakes — Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019

This is only 5.3 miles round-trip, but seemed harder in the heat. We started at the upper Falls so we were at camp by 2 miles. Took the longer loop out past Dusty Falls and the upper lakes. The last 1.3 miles were on the road. Apparently there was a better route, but we did not see it.

We were worried about going since most of the trip reports seem to end by June. However, with the recent rains and the bad weather elsewhere, this was perfect. We took a refreshing dip in the lake—the high temperature was mid 80s, low overnight 60s. 

 Got a nice view of the surrounding mountains, three lakes, waterfalls, and rolling grasslands.  Beautiful sunset and great views of thunder in the distance on two sides.

Some yellow jackets around, annoying during meals, but nothing stings. No mosquitoes. Only two other tents and very few day hikers.

Occasionally we got a whiff of what smelled like manure and garbage, and some faint bass sounds from the Gorge Amphitheatre, but nothing very annoying.