Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
western shoreline, where a massive avalanche has cleared away the forest of Engelmann
spruce. Across the lake from this point, Mount Burgess can be seen rising an impress-
ive 2,599 meters (8,530 feet). Traveling in a clockwise direction, beyond the avalanche
slope, the trail to Emerald Basin veers off to the left, and at the 2.2-kilometer (1.4-mile)
mark, a small bridge is crossed. Views from this point extend back across the lodge to
the Ottertail Range. Beyond the lake's inlet, the vegetation changes dramatically. A lush
forest of towering western red cedar creates a canopy, protecting moss-covered fallen trees,
thimbleberry, and bunchberry extending to the water's edge. Just over one kilometer (0.6
mile) from the bridge, the trail divides: The left fork leads back to the parking lot via a
small forest-encircled pond, or continue straight ahead through the grounds of Emerald
Lake Lodge. Park staff lead a guided hike around the lake every Saturday morning, depart-
ing at 10am from the parking lot trailhead.
Hamilton Falls
• Length: 800 meters/0.5 mile (20 minutes) one-way
• Elevation gain: 60 meters/200 feet
• Rating: easy
• Trailhead: information kiosk, Emerald Lake parking lot
The trail to these falls begins from the Emerald Lake parking lot, down the hill from the
bridge to the lodge. It's an easy walk through a forest of Engelmann spruce and subalpine
fir to a viewpoint at the base of the falls. A little farther along, the trail begins switchback-
ing steeply and offers even better views of the cascade.
The trail continues beyond the waterfall to Hamilton Lake, which lies in a small gla-
cial cirque a steep 880 vertical meters (2,890 feet) above Emerald Lake. Total distance
from Emerald Lake to Hamilton Lake is 5.5 kilometers/3.4 miles (2.5 hours) one-way.
Emerald Basin
• Length: 4.5 kilometers/2.8 miles (1.5-2 hours) one-way
• Elevation gain: 280 meters/920 feet
• Rating: easy/moderate
• Trailhead: Emerald Lake Loop, 1.5 kilometers (0.9 mile) from the parking lot
The trail to the delightful Emerald Basin begins from the west shore of Emerald Lake,
from where it's a steady three-kilometer (1.9-mile) climb through a subalpine forest to the
basin, which, chances are, you'll have to yourself. The most impressive sight awaiting you
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