First 1.8 mi or so is very flat, then consistently uphill from there. Fern Lake (9,503') is located 3.85 miles from Fern Lake Trailhead on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Great hike - definitely start at Bear Lake. Note: As of October 2020, this area is closed due to wildfire. Mile 1-2 had steady but easy incline, once you cross the bridge, miles 3-4 are more intensely steep. Lake Helene is the high point, then it's literally all downhill from there. After the first mile hikers arrive at the junction to Yost Lake, a little higher and farther away than Fern Lake. 3.2 mile hike to a secluded lake filled with brownies and stunning views along the way. Just under two miles from the trailhead, the Fern Lake Trail crosses the river and is met by the Moraine Park Cub Lake Trail from the south. walking sticks came in handy as there is some rough terrain. After we returned to the trail/lake entrance, several more hikers showed up and the rest of the hike was busier from that point on. There is a dramatic waterfall just 1.7 miles up the trail or Fern Lake is 3.6 miles away. The trail is great to run since half of it follows the river directly. First mile is steep; 2 miles of climb after that. Trail Map | Photo Gallery Along the way you'll pass through a mixed forest of aspens, lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, cottonwoods and willows, as well as a variety of wildflowers in the spring and summer. Spikes weren’t necessary yet, but could have been helpful in a few slick spots on the descent. Turn left at the junction and drive roughly 1.9 miles to the Fern Lake Trailhead. As a result of the Fern Lake Conservation and Recreation Act in 2001, the park was authorized to complete one of its' original goals; the protection of the Fern Lake Watershed. Two Rivers and Helene lakes are not marked - download your alltrails map and locate them, then as you get close keep a lookout for the social trails that head to the lakes. The Fern Lake trail is steep and rocky but the reward at the end is paradise. Dogs are also able to use this trail. From the Beak Lake TH, start out along the lake's eastern shore. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The damage is still clearly evident. Getting to the lake and back is more than a 7-mile hike. The USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) publishes a set of the most commonly used topographic maps of the U.S. called US Topo that are separated into rectangular quadrants that are printed at 22.75"x29" or larger. The Fern Lake trail is steep and rocky but the reward at the end is paradise. That's as far as I went given I started late in the day. A thick conifer forest provides plenty of shade. Fern Lake is an alpine lake in Larimer County, Colorado, United States.It is a major source for the Big Thompson River.. It affected the distance we went. It is a heavily used area. Fern Lake was beautiful, but extremely cold and windy. Pass the famous Arch Rock formations, The Pool, and the cascading water of Fern Falls. saw scat so be aware. From here you’ll have to … Get Trail News Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. The Fern Lake Trailhead sits at 8,155′ in elevation. Beautiful Fall colors. You’ll parallel a tumbling creek that possesses some beautiful pools. I hiked alone for some “me” time and I didn’t encounter another human being the entire time. more. NPS Photo. I made it up in 1 1/2 hours (lots of stops for pics) and down in about an hour. The Fern Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, runs 4.8 miles (7.7 km) from Moraine Park in the eastern part of the park westward to Fern Lake, the first portion of the trail following the course of the Big Thompson River. Not many people along the trail. Continue up and there is a lake for a cool dip and bring your fishing pole & license if fishing is your joy! The first 2.5 miles of the Fern Lake Trail are relatively flat and easy. I parked at the Fern Lake trailhead which was surprisingly full for a weekday afternoon amidst the current fires. The Fern Creek Trail is primarily used for access to the popular Ruby Lake Area. The hike to Fern Falls offers several beautiful sites along the way as it follows the Big Thompson River. Fern Lake, often flush with Rainbow Trout, lies in a wooded area. It’s simply perfect. Fern Lake Trail is a relatively uncrowded hike to a scenic mountain lake accessed from the Moraine Park area on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. At 1.5 Miles in, the trail will weave through several house … Use beyond the Ruby Lake Area toward Little Squaw Creek and Big Squaw Creek is often very light in the summer months. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. We … After about 6 miles of riding, we reached the junction with the Fern Lake Trail #1436 and dismounted the bikes. kiernancasey1@gmail.com, One big climb all the ways to the lake. The most common route begins at the Fern Lake Trailhead and is accessible year round (Add.6 miles each way during winter for road closures). Fern Lake Trail. The key is to Ferne Clyffe also offers camping, picnicking, hiking, hunting and fishing. Fern Lake trailhead can have minimal parking. Lake is beautiful, no snow or ice on way up. Beautiful scenery but boy were we exhausted when we were done. Rated hard for good reason, but if this 57 year old dude can do it so can you. Also hiked to Helene and Odessa. The one to Lake Helene is more obvious; keep an eye out for Two Rivers. It’s starts off fairly easy and the views are great and then the switchbacks start, and then you get to the awesome waterfall and keep going it’s worth it and just beautiful when you get to fern lake, Looking for a private vehicle pass for Saturday 10/10! Once you reach the top and see the lake, the mountains and catch a fish on a dry fly, release it and look up at the mountains you’ll never be the same. Beware of the altitude. Trails wind through picturesque woods, allowing visitors to view fascinating rock formations and inspiring vistas. Great spot to get a quick snack before the final push. Start from Shuttle stop #6 in front of the Devils Postpile Visitor Center. The lake is lovely, we arrived in about 2 hours (10:45 am). It was awesome. This trail makes great single track for mountain biking. Easy up to the pool. Fern Lake Trail [CLOSED] is a 17.4 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Fern Lake is a gorgeous lake hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. The first couple of miles are an easy, steady incline. Its nearby neighbors of Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Dream Lake get a lot more visitors, so if you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. Today was magical. The trail follows the Big Thompson River offering great views of Fern Falls, Notchtop Mountain and the Little Matterhorn from Fern Lake's north side. 3.2 mile hike to a secluded lake filled with brownies and stunning views along the way. Amazing views. Rocky Mountain National Park charges a fee to enter. We were both glad were able to check off Lake Odessa and Fern Lake Trails on our Colorado bucket list. There isn’t too much elevation gain until you ascend the final 1.4 miles. 10-3-2020: Well-marked trail with lots of points of interest. Just under two miles from the trailhead, the Fern Lake Trail crosses the river and is met by the Moraine Park Cub Lake Trail from the south. The … You’ll parallel a tumbling creek that possesses some beautiful pools. Colorado Tourism Office, 1625 Broadway, Suite 1700 , Denver, CO, 80202, Phone: 800-COLORADO. Please choose a different date. Fyrne Lake Farms is a 2500 acre private natural park that offers a unique setting for outdoor weddings and special events at our lake pavilion, retreats and day events in our lodge and fishing memberships in our mile long lake. Great trail. Along the Fern Lake Trail, hikers pass through Arch Rocks, over a bridge at The Pool, and by three cascade waterfalls. It's a good warm up before the incline starts and gets steeper as you get closer to Fern lake. I showed short social trail to a magnificent overlook just before Lake Helene trail. Fern Lake (#1436) ... Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and nature trips and is best used from June until November. Near this intersection there is a bridge over the Big Thompson River that is not far from the Arch Rocks or Old Forest Inn campgrounds. This moderate trail follows the Big Thompson River and Fern Creek to a heavily wooded basin framed by the Little Matterhorn (11,586'), Knobtob Mountain (12,331'), Gabletop Mountain (11,939') and Castle Rock. From Fern Lake continue your descent along the main trail until you reach Fern Falls at approximately 6.5 miles. 5 Lake Loop - 12.5 Miles Round-Trip Bear Lake, Lake Helene, Odessa Lake, Fern Lake and Cub Lake can be linked to form a 12.5 mile loop through Rocky Mountain's upper-montane and subalpine zones. Steve’s clocked 12 miles. A gorgeous lake with views of the Continental Divide (Little Matterhorn and Notchtop Mountain). At the top of the ridge, turn left onto Flattop Mountain Trail and continue uphill. Helene Lake to Odessa Lake was hardest part but the best views of the day. Easier to hike from Bear Lake. Lots of fallen trees but still manageable. After recent winds, there is a good amount of blow-down on the trail and snow above about 10,000ft. Highly recommended ... Hotels near (RNO) Reno-Tahoe Intl Airport, Ernie's Tackle & Ski Shop: Tickets & Tours‎. Beautiful place, very quiet, waters crystal clear. The Fern Lake trail follows Snow Canyon toward King's Creek and Summit Meadow on the way to Fern and Anona Lakes. Fern Lake Trail is a 3.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near June Lake, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. It is less that a mile to the junction with the John Muir Trail where a bridge across the river leads to several trail junctions. The damage is still clearly evident. This 60 foot waterfall offers a nice photo opportunity and rest stop. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Fern Lake The last few miles before Fern Lake are pretty rocky and strenuous. The trail to Fern Lake begins at 7,300 feet elevation and climbs almost from the first step, continuing at the same grade all the way to the top. This strenuous 3.38 mile hike has an elevation gain of about 1,582 feet and is an out-and-back style. There’s just enough elevation change and technical ground to make it challenging. This added about 4 miles round-trip to the hike ,but you get to see all the elk along the way so worth the addition. Bring plenty of water and proper clothing. The hike to Odessa Lake and onward to Fern Lake is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. 3.2 mile hike to a secluded lake filled with brownies and stunning views along the way. Few people were on the trail or at the lake at that time, and a moose came up the trail and followed me and a couple who had been fishing as we took off to escape. On the Fern Lake Trail just beyond The Pool, hikers find themselves in the area where the fire started. To reach the trailhead from Bear Lake Road, follow Moraine Park Road for a half-mile to an unmarked junction - just before reaching the Moraine Park Campground. It si beautiful country and we were able to take in some gorgeous views. Trail is awesome! Central Cascades -- Entiat Mountains/Lake Chelan. been a little more steady climb to the falls but still easy. Our. The first is a side-trail cascade, Windy Gulch Cascades, which can be seen to the North (right) about 1/2 mile in. If you wish to summit Carson, follow the Fern Lake Trail as it will put you closer to the ridge line. We walked to and from the trail head from our campsite in the moraine to avoid parking issues. Beautiful views of alpine lakes with mountains rising up just behind the lakes. The route from Bear Lake back down to Cub Lake, passing by Lake Helene, Odessa Lake, Fern Lake, and the falls is moderate and absolutely beautiful. Length 10.8 miElevation gain 1591 ftRoute type Out & back The first 2.5 miles of the Fern Lake Trail are relatively flat and easy. The Fern Lake trail is steep and rocky but the reward at the end is paradise. Mill Creek Basin Trail to Bierstadt Lake [CLOSED], Fern Lake Trail and Cub Lake Trail Loop [CLOSED], Fern Lake Road - Odessa Lake via Fern Lake Trail North [CLOSED], Fern Lake Trail to Flat Top Mountain Loop [CLOSED], Moraine Park to Tuxedo Park Loop [CLOSED], Cub Lake to Hollowell Park via Mill Creek [CLOSED], Moraine Park Campground to Trail Ridge Road [CLOSED]. I would rate this as a moderate hike. The 4,500 acre area provides both a scenic view from the park's most visited point, the Pinnacle Overlook, and also provides clean drinking water to the nearby city of Middlesboro, Kentucky. The hike features views along the Big Thompson River, fishing options, and is commonly combined with Odessa Lake. GREAT HIKE! On the Fern Lake Trail just beyond The Pool, hikers find themselves in the area where the fire started. I hiked alone for some “me” time and I didn’t encounter another human being the entire time. The canyon through which this trail runs is stunning - the northern wall rises abruptly over 1,000 feet above the valley floor. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. Continue on for 1 mile to reach Odessa Lake, sitting right at treeline and offering a spectacular backdrop including Notchtop and Flattop Mountains and fresh waterfalls in the spring. From Arch Rocks the Fern Lake Trail alternates between forest and a few open areas that provide some pretty good views of the Big Thompson Valley. Fees are $25 per vehicle/motorcycle. my recording was paused at Helene to Fern so milage messed up. External links. Trail head is just a short distance from the center of June Lake. On average, the hike to Fern Lake takes about 3 hours and is best during the summer and fall months. Be advised that you are in bear country! One large bull elk. I can pay Venmo! I think if the moose was still in the area, he certainly didn’t want to come around that many people, so my timing was just perfectly imperfect. Parked at Cub Lake trailhead and took the shuttle up to Bear Lake, which was easy to navigate, though now closed for the winter season. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from May until October. We decided to continue on to Fern Lake to Fern Falls then pick up the shuttle back to Bear Lake. Fern Lake is covered by the Grawn, MI US Topo Map quadrant You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from May until October. The … The beer is going to taste good tonight! loved this trail! There isn’t too much elevation gain until you ascend the final 1.4 miles. Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for. It was awesome. It's rocky and steep at times but the reward is at the top where you can see a beautiful waterfall. Miles of diverse forests, meadows and streams connect the five lakes. My Fitbit clocked 11.5 miles from Bear Lake Trailhead to the Shuttle. Fern Lake is about 3.9 miles in and is a marvelous high alpine body of water. Hiked on the Fern Lake Trail from the Bear Lake Trailhead to the Fern Lake Trailhead with stops at Bear Lake, Lake Helene, Lake Odessa and Fern Lake along the way, It is a 10 mile hike one way which includes a demanding ascent followed by a significant descent. Continue on the main trail until you reach the Fern Lake trailhead. Follow the trail as it climbs steeply to gain the ridge. Ran this trail today! I hiked alone for some “me” time and I didn’t encounter another human being the entire time. Trail Map | Photo Gallery. This trail could possibly be my favorite hike of all time. Overall a great hike! My wife's phone says total was 12 miles. It goes for a total distance of around seven miles. About 2 1/2 hour round trip. For more information, please visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm One of my favorites! Look for the Horse Trail to branch off to the right towards Flattop Mountain and Odessa Lake. Fern Lake . The moose was not charging, but ran us off while grunting until we got far away enough that he lost interest/felt comfortable to ignore us and took a dip in the lake, then swam across and left. 2 backcountry sites near the Lake, and 2 closer to the trailhead. Those are one way distances. Fern Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park A hike up to Fern Lake begins at the Fern Lake Trailhead on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. A hard 1 1/2 hours uphill climb to Fern Lake but worth it. This trail serves as a fine gateway to the Weminuche Wilderness. Nothing too crazy, and a good push to get to the top. Great hike. We went on this hike when the lake was covered in ice .. it was stunning. The hike to Fern Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Moraine Park area. This is and easy and beautiful hike, with mountain vistas that are inspiring. The signs show Bear Lake being 8.5 miles from the trailhead. I wish I would have done this one when leaves were still on the trees because it would have been absolutely beautiful. Fern Lake Trail [CLOSED] is a 10.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. 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