After several years of talking about going up and hiking the Roman Nose Lakes trails... we finally did it! Although, it almost didn't happen even though we had planned to go up and hike it. I woke up with a severe cold, and decided that we would at least go up to the first lake (Since you can drive right up to it). I purchased a whole bunch of cold medicine, and figured that if I felt like I could handle the 1.5 mile hike, then we would do it. Luckily, I was feeling up to the challenge. About 1/2 mile in, however, I felt like turning around, but I wanted to hike into the lake sooo badly - that I pushed on regardless of how bad I felt.
The parking lot was full, and we knew we had found our destination! The 19 miles up bumpy, gravel roads was soo worth it! We started our day by witnessing a whole colony of white butterflies fluttering, and flying carelessly from tree to tree. It was so peaceful to watch such a inspiring scene! We hiked up through the rock boulder fields, and came to a lookout that takes your breath away! We were standing on a granite rock, literally the size of a house! And just peered over the ledge out over the Selkirks Mountains and down into a very lush valley below. From here, we hiked down to the Lower Lake, stopping along the way to take photo's of the beautiful wild-flowers that were in full bloom!
The fish were jumping, which was a great sign for my husband - and the whole purpose for him hiking back to the lake. For me - It was the opportunity to witness one of the many alpine lakes we have here in the Selkirk range. With snow still packed into the North facing crevaces, and ice cold runoff draining into the lake - it was only fitting that we sit along the creeks edge for lunch.
After spending about 2 hours at the lower lake, and this cold I had kicking into high gear - we decided we would hike out and go check out the larger lake by the parking lot. There was no surprise that this lake is a local favorite! We saw a family who was out for the day... dogs barking, kids swimming, and what had to be their Grandpa - sleeping in a lounge chair in the shade... We like to enjoy these places privately - and from the Eastern shores of the lake - decided to trek around to the boulder field at the far end of the lake. Not only does this give us the privacy we enjoy- but it also keeps unsuspecting people from getting hooked by my fly rod in my efforts to fly fish!
All in all, it was a great day - cold or no cold! We decided to save the hike to the upper lake for another day - possibly a cooler day - and a day when I was feeling much better! I would recommend this trail - being a high-use, well marked trail - to anyone wanting to enjoy some of what the Wild Selkirks have to offer!
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