Name: Silver Lake Trail
Rating: 4.7

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Features Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Seasonal Closures. Typically open early to mid-May and closes depending on snow. Most passenger cars will be able to make it up the dirt road from Granite Flat to the trailhead with care. Alternatively park lower and take the pleasant Silver Lake Flat Connector Trail.

Description

Start at the parking lot on the north end of Silver Lake Flat. Restrooms are located here along with Forest Service trail maps. Run up the trail through a forest that alternates between pines and aspens. The trail crosses a small river that comes off of the high lake, take care to cross safely. Normally logs are placed across the small river but can occasionally become treacherous. Continue up the north side of the valley winding along the obvious trail through brush and aspens.

The trail eventually leads up towards the base of a small dam. Away from the trail, beaver may sometimes be seen in the several pools that stem off from the dam. This is a great spot to sit and spot wildlife.

Continue up to the lake, passing the dam. You're welcomed by a beautiful alpine view ringed by several high peaks, including White Baldy. After a nice break and perhaps a chilly swim, follow the trail back down to the parking lot.

*Note: snow will often be on the upper parts of the trail through Memorial Day. It is oftentimes passable, but plan ahead for it.

Flora & Fauna

Beautiful spring wildflowers and chokeberry. Mountain goats can often be seen in the area along with an occasional moose! Red-tailed hawks and golden eagles nest in the conifers. American robins and back-headed grosbeaks hide in deciduous groves. Also the once common boreal toads, now rare enough to be mentioned in a placard at the trailhead.