I am trying something a little different this time in providing a hiker’s guide to the trail for those who may choose to do this trail in the future.
Did you ever get a half mile down the trail and realize, damn, I left my camera in the car!? Yeah, I had that sinking feeling on this hike. Well, thank goodness for cell phone cameras as there were some very scenic views on this trip, a plethora of lakes, old cabins/mining sites, and grand vistas. No wonder the trail head is usually packed, so get there early for the lower trailhead or be ready with a 4WD vehicle to traverse the rocky road to the upper trailhead, but either way, you won’t be disappointed once on the trail.
Speaking of the trail, it’s a little nebulous in places as so many people day hike and backcountry camp this area that the trail tends to multiply in places, so be careful if you go, have a topo or digital map along as the trail is only marked at junctions and just a couple places where it gets really confusing.
The first couple miles from the lower trailhead is a nice forest walk with moderate elevation gain. It rejoins the road for a tenth of a mile and then after that the real climb begins! After you cross a trail junction, the first stop is the defunct mining site and Lake of Mayflower. Make sure to take the short quarter mile walk to the lake as it is chock full of old cabin foundations everywhere you look and the lake is scenic as well.
Hmm, you thought you were gaining a lot in elevation, but not really, now it gets steeper as you retrace your steps and get back onto the main trail. Up the hill you go, just pick the right trail as there are many bad downhill shortcuts and don’t walk up the creek canyon as it is steep and rocky. If you are on the right trail you will get to an intact cabin that still functions as a warming hut in the winter. Another partial cabin lies just up the hill where a sign directs you to the trail to Lower Mohawk Lake or a view of the cascades coming down the canyon. And then there is this weird wooden monolith with several holes in it. What is it? Read the caption below to find out.
As you proceed toward the Lower Mohawk Lake, take the time to peak over the side at the cascades, but don’t be fooled to start heading up that way as the actual trail works away from the canyon. You are rewarded atop the first ridge with a colossal wooden structure, now in a decrepit condition. It was once a massive cable tow for moving ore from the mines down to where it could be processed, the massive geared pulley still rusting in the elements.
It is just a short jaunt more to get to the picturesque Lower Mohawk Lake. As you take in the view, note the mining cabin across the lake, most of its foundation is still in place. A quick snack and a few pictures later and you are off to Upper Mohawk Lake which is just a half mile further up the mountain.
Surprisingly, as you round the final corner to Upper Mohawk Lake, you literally are at eye level with the water in the lake as the trail ascends to a shallow rock dam that holds the lake intact. It’s a beautiful cirque with a green hillside on one side and steep cliffs on the other. You can continue up to four other lakes if you feel adventurous or head back down after this 4 mile journey. Either way, if you are lucky, you may run into the white mountain goats that frequent the area.
This hike is definitely one for the picture books, enjoy! As usual leave your comments and feedback below. Happy hiking.
