The parking for Running Rain Lake doesn’t exist. So just park on the side of the road while you get ready. My suggestion, start the hike wearing sandals rather than hiking shoes. More that shortly. A view from the highway in the direction we are heading. The lake is situated at the bottom of the mountain toward the end of the valley. Almost immediately after starting out you encounter the first stream crossing of the day. In fact, if you look carefully, you can see the highway guardrail not far off in the top left corner. Of course, we put our hiking shoes back on after stream crossing number one. Only to find a second and third crossing. Which is why I suggest starting with sandals. It can be a bit tricky to navigate this area as there are multiple trails heading in different directions, many of which are covered in water earlier in the season. A GPS track can be helpful.In-between streams we saw a bunch of what I can only assume are caterpillars, or an alien life form. Impossible to say with any degree of certainty. After finally crossing all the streams we get onto the main hiking trail. Around the streams the route is not obvious at all. But once you start up the valley toward the lake, there is a very clear and easy to follow trail. Further down the trail is another stream to cross, ughhhhh, but at least this one has, or had a bridge. Although it was heavily damaged, you could still get over it with dry feet. As we approach the lake, the trail gets wet and boggy. If you enjoy having wet feet, this is the trail for you!You have arrived at your destination. Running Rain Lake.It is possible to walk around the entire lake, but the trail is intermittent. Looking back down the valley from the back of the lake. Toward the back of the lake is the highest point on the trail. And you know what that means! Traditional summit Selfie. It is also a good place to stop for lunch. The trail around the lake was still pretty wet and boggy so we decided to rock hope back across the lake at the narrowest point. I don’t know why we bothered trying to rock hop and keep our feet dry?One last look at the lake, before heading back down the same route we came up. Overall, I would suggest this short hike. But bring sandals for all the stream crossings.
1 Comment
Ted · January 17, 2025 at 4:28 pm
Who is the good looking guy in the pictures, apart from you?