June was an exciting month of outdoor life for our family. We took a three day camping trip up to the mountains and were able to complete two awesome day hikes. Hiking is something that fills that need for adventure, finding a spot out in the forest where there are few people and lots of interesting views to enjoy. The first hike was to a lake we have visited before but the second hike was completely new to us.
One of my nature study goals for this year was to take three new hikes. I shared my Adirondack hike back in May and now I can add this Round Lake hike to my “new hike” list for the year.
The trail to Round Lake is part of the Tahoe Rim Trail, stretching along for 3.5 miles from the trailhead to the lake. The hike, according to my sister, is 80% uphill on the way to the lake. It was a steady uphill and never felt to strenuous to my husband and I. There were lots of things to look at as you hiked, including wildflowers galore.
In fact, at the very beginning of the hike you cross Big Meadow on a completely flat narrow trail lined with wildflowers and criss-crossed by butterflies flying. What an enjoyable place!
Here is a close-up of one flower that was abundant as we walked across the meadow.
Here is a map of the topography of the trail, showing how as you hike along you go up in elevation for the most part until you reach the lakeshore.
Some more wildflowers along the trail…just enough to keep it interesting.
This was our stopping spot to eat some lunch and enjoy the view. Although, the photo does not show the hordes of mosquitoes that were trying to make lunch of us! We were glad that a strong breeze kicked up and for the most part we could sit and enjoy our meal without too much annoyance. I wish I could say the same for the hike back down the mountain….I ended up with quite a few bites on my legs and back of my neck.
Here is one more view of the trail side as we hiked back down. This section was filled with Corn Lilies…a little dampness is all it takes.
So there you have our hike…New Hike #2! We are planning on returning later this summer to hike to the Dardanelles which are along this same trail with a westerly turn at about two miles.
I am calling this my “local hike” since it is just about an hour from my front door.
