I was here at Trappers Lake 2 years ago for the Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the creation of the Wilderness Act. Unfortunately, the weather was miserable and we were not able to do this hike. The return visit this year to complete the Trail hike was a long time coming!
Trappers Lake is located in the White River National Forest. It is located in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area.
Hope you don't mind a pause for a brief history lesson. Back in the early part of the 20th Century, the automobile became a popular mode of transportation and families started doing vacations by car. There was increasing demand to see and vacation at the most beautiful areas of our great country.
The National Park Service was created by President Woodrow Wilson 100 years ago in 1916. The goal was "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." The first designated Park was Yellowstone National Park.
Arthur Carhart is my 1st cousin, 3 times removed, but we called him Uncle Arthur. He was hired by the US Forest Service in 1919 as a "Recreation Engineer" - his primary role was to make the scenic areas accessible to all. One of his first assignment was to survey a road and map out home sites at Trappers Lake. The plaque that is found on the shore of Trappers Lake tells the rest of the story:
Trappers Lake is located in the White River National Forest. It is located in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area.
Hope you don't mind a pause for a brief history lesson. Back in the early part of the 20th Century, the automobile became a popular mode of transportation and families started doing vacations by car. There was increasing demand to see and vacation at the most beautiful areas of our great country.
The National Park Service was created by President Woodrow Wilson 100 years ago in 1916. The goal was "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." The first designated Park was Yellowstone National Park.
Arthur Carhart is my 1st cousin, 3 times removed, but we called him Uncle Arthur. He was hired by the US Forest Service in 1919 as a "Recreation Engineer" - his primary role was to make the scenic areas accessible to all. One of his first assignment was to survey a road and map out home sites at Trappers Lake. The plaque that is found on the shore of Trappers Lake tells the rest of the story:
Arthur Carhart is a bit of a celebrity in these parts. It was exciting for me when people inquired about my name and if I was related!
This picture of Art is from 1920 when he was employed by the US Forest Service. Although he left the Forest Service in 1923, he was also instrumental in the initial recommendation to create a Wilderness area in the Boundary Waters in Minnesota. He lived in Denver for most of his adult life and was a landscape architect and author.
This picture of Art is from 1920 when he was employed by the US Forest Service. Although he left the Forest Service in 1923, he was also instrumental in the initial recommendation to create a Wilderness area in the Boundary Waters in Minnesota. He lived in Denver for most of his adult life and was a landscape architect and author.
So back to the Carhart Trail #1815. The Trail circles around the lake and is about 7 miles round trip from Trappers Lake Lodge. The views are incredible and the wildflowers plentiful.
There was a fire in 2002 which destroyed most of the forest around the lake. Sad, but the forest is recovering nicely.
There was a fire in 2002 which destroyed most of the forest around the lake. Sad, but the forest is recovering nicely.
There are numerous streams to cross and no bridges! Hiking poles or water shoes are recommended...
My plan was to hike to Wall Lake on the second day, but thunderstorms were in the forecast, so I took another circle around the lake with new friend Donna and dog Sady. There are plenty of great hikes and lakes in the area. Great fishing also.
The sun on the second day provided some great mountain reflections.
The sun on the second day provided some great mountain reflections.
The starting elevation is 9500 feet and rises almost to 10,000 feet when you reach the south end of the lake. The hike takes about 3 to 4 hours.
.Trappers Lake Lodge is open from June to September. Cabins are clean and comfortable, and there is a bathhouse with hot water for showers. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available and dinners are by "dictatorship". First night was Thanksgiving in July and second night was the best meatloaf I have ever tasted...
There is no cell or internet service and no outlets in the cabins, so be prepared to go off the grid!
There is no cell or internet service and no outlets in the cabins, so be prepared to go off the grid!
Sunset views from the cabin porch are awesome!
Can't wait to return again. I give the experience 5 boots!