24 replies to this topic

[bpv_UW]

Been meaning to post this TR for a while now, but haven't gotten around to it.

We arrived at the Bear Lake parking lot around 6:30am and nabbed one of the first parking spots. The weather was looking questionable; sun out but lots of clouds hanging over the divide, Loch Vale, and Glacier Gorge. My Dad and I were hoping this would be the end of a lengthy rainy stretch of days in the park, the last couple of which had foiled some of our prior hiking plans. We set off from the Bear Lake Ranger Station at 6:40am and quickly made our way to the Flattop trail junction, where we began climbing away from Bear Lake. Some nice views south to Loch Vale and Glacier Gorge. Here's one of the clouds hanging over Thatchtop Mountain.



After our photo stop we made our may quickly along the cool, shaded trail. This portion of the hike took us around the eastern flank of Flattop Mountain, and was basically an enjoyable walk in the forest. As we progressed, there were places on the trail where we could see east toward Estes Park.

[bpv_UW]

Here's a shot looking east, with EP in the distance. Bierstadt Lake can be seen on the right, reflecting the sun.



The trail transitioned from primarily wooded to more open terrain as we began to make our way around Flattop toward the turnoff for the Sourdough backcountry site (near Joe Mills Mountain). Snow was still blocking the trail in a few places.

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[bpv_UW]

Near the turnoff to the Sourdough site, we came across this flower, wet with the morning's dew.



We made our way across the boulder-strewn north slope of Flattop and reached Joe Mills Overlook, where wonderful views of Odessa Gorge, Notchtop Mountain, and Grace Falls spread out before us. Here's one looking across the gorge.



The weather had been looking questionable for the past hour or so, and the clouds over the divide appeared to be thickening and darkening. We spent a few minutes at the overlook enjoying the view, and debating whether or not to turn around. In the end, we delayed our decision and decided to make a quick side-trip to Lake Helene.

[bpv_UW]

Unfortunately the lake was choppy and the views were largely obscured by clouds, so the photos from the lake itself were unimpressive. There was a nice view of Little Matterhorn over Helene's outlet stream, however.



After spending a few minutes around Helene, the weather hadn't deteriorated at all, so we decided to continue. We made our way down the rocky trail on the western slope of Joe Mills Mountain, all the way enjoying the beautiful views of Odessa Gorge.

[bpv_UW]

The clouds began to burn off as we descended, and it became apparent that our decision to continue had been a good one. The sun was coming out, the temperature was comfortable, the views were amazing...it was turning into a great day out in the mountains. We made frequent photo stops on the way to Odessa Lake. The views of Notchtop and the Little Matterhorn were stunning.



Occasional columbines dotted the rocky slope of Joe Mills. They are quite photogenic.

[bpv_UW]

The closer one gets to Odessa Lake, the easier it is to understand where the Little Matterhorn got its name. It looks more like it's "father" in Europe with each step.



The spur trail to Odessa follows Odessa's outlet stream for a couple tenths of a mile to the north shore of the lake. Here's a view over the stream.

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[bpv_UW]

We arrived at Odessa, and quickly recognized why it had gotten such rave reviews from everyone who'd been there. It's simply a beautiful location. Snacks, photos, and relaxing filled the next 15 minutes or so, before we headed down to Fern Lake. This is my Dad at Odessa.



The descent to Fern was, again, on rocky trail, though it's more wooded than the descent to Odessa. Just above Fern I walked out on some boulders to get this shot of Stones Peak.

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[bpv_UW]

We spent another 10 minutes or so at Fern Lake, and then began the fairly steep, wooded descent toward Fern Falls. I breezed through this stretch, but my Dad was getting a bit sore from going downhill, so we stopped to rest periodically. Fern Falls was impressive, but not as nice as some other falls in the park, IMO.

[bpv_UW]

A little bit below the falls the trail flattens out, and heads east for the last 3 miles or so of the hike. This stretch was quite warm, especially from The Pool to Fern Lake TH. It was nice, but the views don't compare to the first half of the hike. We reached the Fern Lake TH a little after noon. We were happy the weather had cooperated and allowed for such a great day out in the mountains. I'd highly recommend this hike to anyone.

Here's a parting shot from the Pool.



-Brandon

[Aaron]

Nice! Thanks for the report Brandon I agree about Fern Falls

--Aaron

[weatherbe]

Great report and pics! Thanks Brandon!

Weather

[Allie]

Loved your report and pictures, Brandon.

Allie

[BukElgle]

Fantastic photos and TR. Tell your Dad I can relate to the downhill part...
Hopefully he's got some hiking poles. If not, have him invest in some as
they will definitely help.

Thanks for the great posting!

Rick

[Weasel]

Nice report and pics. I can relate to the downhill part as well. Even with hiking poles my knees were killing me.

[Rhonda]

Loved the report and pictures, and I love that hike!

Thanks!
Rhonda