Tis the season to get out for a hike and enjoy the beauty of fall. Thursday was forecasted to be dry so I put on my boots and checked out a trail called Three Lakes Loop. It winds between Lake Desire, Spring Lake and Shady Lake. I checked out Desire & Spring but Shady was a side trip so I decided to come back another day.

Took the North piece of the trail and arrived at Lake Desire. Well I actually walked past the public access area. When the main trail changed to a major uphill climb I knew the little side trails must be where I needed to go. The map said the trail ended here. Obviously the trail continue as a shortcut to Echo Peak and there was no pretty maintained lake access that I had imagined.

Down the first of two trails I went and this is what I saw.

Check out how this close up of the first photo shows an almost mirror like reflection in the lake.

Ahhhh what a pretty view it was. However, this little public access spot is not the developed pretty bit of grass you would imagine.

I got all my great shots by standing out there on those pallets. Wonder what happens when the lake’s level rises with a heavy rain? Bet it is all floating and underwater.

There was another trail to investigate and it was just as undeveloped at the lake. No pallets but no pretty grass with picnic tables neither.

At this second spot there was a very large old red cedar tree. I had to lean against him for a bit and just take in the ambiance of the lake, the little creatures rustling in the bushes and looked up into the cedar’s crown.

Off I went to the South Three Lake Loop Trail. On the way there I crossed the outflow of Lake Desire and captured this bit of boggy creek kind of place. Eventually this drains into the Spring Lake marsh and drainage area.

The trail was much better over here and followed along the southwest side of the little creek that came from Lake Desire. It was ablaze in yellow and orange vine maples contrasting against large red cedar trees. Check it out.

Then we have what I call a Natural Stain Glass Window.

Eventually I came to where the trail bordered the marsh attached to Spring Lake. It had a landscape of bog, an old forest and a pond with lily pads.

I had parked at the Spring Lake public access for non-motorized boats. I had to wander down to the water and check out the view.

The reflection of the fall colors was spectacular. Check out this mini slide show.

Glad you could join me for a lovely autumn walk. Hope it gave you a little distraction from all the stress of 2020.