Starting Point: Guide Marker 27
Distances: To road at guide marker 38, 3.7 miles; to Summit
Lake, 4.2 miles; both distances one way
Topography: Downhill, dropping 1,300 feet
Time: 3 hours, one way
Features: Lakes, forest, flowers, scenic views
[Illustration: Trail map]
The first part of this trail is #8, then it continues beyond the Cliff
Lake junction, down to the park road. There is a good variety of trees,
wildflowers, and birds. And for a feeling of being completely in the
wilderness, this trail is ideal, for a few yards off the road there are
no noises of civilization nor other reminders of the bustle of the
world.
Beyond the Cliff Lake turnoff the trail descends quite rapidly through
the Open forest, which becomes more dense as it approaches the lower
loop of the road. Lupines, both yellow and blue, are the predominant
flowers along the trail. At higher elevations the mountain hemlocks are
most common, but give way to red firs, white pines, and ponderosa pines
as the trail descends.
By arranging for transportation at guide marker 38 where the trail
crosses the road, one can have an easy hike of about 3 hours. The return
hike uphill will take about twice as long as coming down.