Kung Pao Chicken at Louie Lake

Today we finally made it into Louie Lake. One of those hikes we have been wanting to do for years, but just never seem to get around to. It's another great, easy hike in the McCall area...just a half hour drive to the trail head, and maybe an hour hike into the lake itself. To get there, take Elo road to Boulder Lake Rd, and park at Boulder meadows reservoir. The trail head is marked with a wooden sign. Cross the stream and head up the trail.



After half a mile the trail connects with an old jeep trail. We followed ATV tire tracks the rest of the way to the lake, so apparently it is not closed to motor vehicles.



I think one guide book describes the hike as more difficult than the hike into Boulder Lake, but it seemed less steep to me. I think it must be longer so the climbing feels more gradual.



Louie Lake sits below Jughandle Mountain and it was gorgeous. It was an overcast day, so my pictures are not doing it justice. I hear there is a geocache up there, only found once.



Gordy whipped up some kung pao chicken for lunch. Then we packed up to head back. Some nice tourists showed up just as we were leaving. Other than that we didn't see a soul...and no ATV'rs.

Boulder Lake

Evidently pedal powered snowmobiles are OK on this trail!


Yet another popular fishing hole & hike, Boulder Lake trail head is just a half hour drive from McCall. From Elo road it is 3 miles to Boulder Lake Rd and 4 miles to Boulder Meadows Reservoir, where you will find a primitive campground and plenty of parking. The reservoir is pictured below.



The trail starts out fairly level and turns into switchbacks once you pass the reservoir. You gain 700 ft in less than a mile, a good workout for the lungs.



There is a creek crossing, but we when were there end of September the water was so low it was not a problem. Other times you may want to plan for wet feet.



Boulder lake has an eight foot high concrete & rock dam on the south side. I've tried to find some information on the why's and how's behind the dam, but haven't been able to. Drop us an e-mail if you feel like sharing!