28 |
LOCH |
DISTANCE: 7.8 miles round-trip
HIKING TIME: 4–5 hours
SEASON: June–October
DIFFICULTY: challenging
The Loch Leven Lakes are three granite-backed bodies of water reachable by a moderate hike of 3.9 miles one-way. The path traverses a glaciated landscape of granite dotted with weather-sculpted Jeffrey and lodgepole pines. After crossing a creek and railroad tracks, the path climbs 800 feet in a steep 1.3 miles, then reaches the ridgetop and descends slightly to the first lake, 2.7 miles from the trailhead. You can call it a day here and enjoy a swim or a picnic, or bear left on its far edge and continue another 0.5 mile to the middle lake or, better still, another 1.2 miles to the upper lake, High Loch Leven, 3.9 miles in and the most beautiful. Because the last stretch of trail traverses granite slabs, it can be tricky to locate the upper lake, but other hikers are often present and happy to point the way. If not, keep your eyes peeled for trail ducks (piles of stones); they’ll guide you to the lakeshore. If you have the energy for a fourth lake, follow a side trail leading west from Lower Loch Leven Lake to Salmon Lake, about a mile away. Retrace your steps back to the parking lot.
From I-80 near Soda Springs, take the Big Bend/Rainbow Rd. exit and drive 1.0 mile west on Hampshire Rocks Rd. to the trailhead parking area, 0.2 mile east of the Big Bend Visitor Center and 0.5 mile west of Rainbow Lodge. The trail begins across the road from the parking area.
