Trailgrams: Little Three Creek Lake Trail, perfect for all

We wrote about this trail four years ago, but it bears repeating given its proximity and beauty. A near perfect trail for families or hikers simply looking for an easier outing full of scenery. It's mapped as a 2.6 mile out and back undertaking, longer if you take an extension. Plan on a bit more than an hour. It's well maintained and easy to navigate with new trail markers to guide you at the junctions.

It's a great trail for dogs, especially those fond of water.

Why go: The scenery varies from serene to dramatic. The elevation gain is a mild 212 feet. The lake itself is small, but not a pond. It's swimmable, albeit the mostly shallow water is quite cold. At an elevation of 6,700 feet, it gives one a clear sense of what a high Cascade lake is like.

When to go: Like nearly all the better hikes in our surrounds, May through October is best. Before or after is the possibility of snow or muddy remains. Likewise, earlier in the day gives you more solitude. If you're a shutterbug, the best light will be after 10:00.

What to expect: A good mix of trees – sylvan Alpine fir, mountain hemlock, and white bark pine are in abundance. As for trees, there will be some remains of the Pole Creek fire yielding surreal imagery that are prime photographic opportunities. Don't be surprised to find an abstract plein air artist trying to capture the many surrounding moods.

Early on are meadows, one particularly tranquil (shown above) with 7,700 feet Tam McArthur Rim in the background.

Upon reaching the lake you will be pleasantly surprised – maybe astonished – at its color. While perfectly clear it is a tapestry of hues, mostly green. Arising from the lake are several photogenic dead remains of once towering trees.

Go counterclockwise when you reach the lake unless you are prepared to ford the creek spilling out its eastern end. You can go the way round the lake but at about the halfway point (where the underground springs are visible bubbling into the lake) you will have the choice to circumnavigate the lake or divert to the boulder field caused by an avalanche many moons ago.

Upon diverting, within short order you will encounter the bus and truck size rocks and wonder in amazement at their being and their stacking randomness. You'll now be at the foot of the most dramatic section of the hike, and you can continue steeply upwards as much as you like, marveling along the way.

Or turn back at any point and enjoy the return views from different angles.

Getting there: Drive out Elm Street (FS Road 16) about 16 miles, the last two unpaved, and look for signs to Driftwood Campground on your right, 300 feet in, just before Three Creeks Lake. There's parking for roughly 30 cars.

What you'll need: Some nearby trails require a permit but not Little Three Creek. As it's not a long trek, a small water bottle is enough. You can't outguess the infrequent mosquitoes so carry repellent. A hat and sunscreen are common sense.