Lake Loop: Island, shotgun, Rock Penner, Island

Eight of us got more than we bargained for, hiking 13.25 miles on a long, hot hike. The elevation gain was about 1500 feet. Starting at Carr/Feeley, we hiked up in a counterclockwise direction, stopping at Shotgun for lunch. At the Sawmill, Rock Lake junction, we discovered that the trail up to Rock Lake has been rebuilt, making the ascent easier but adding some length to the hike. Instead of going up steeply through the Mules Ears, the trail is a series of gentle switchbacks until it meets up with the old trail near Rock Lake. Finally arriving at Penner, on a trail which also has been rerouted, we took a break, some of us swimming, some just soaking their feet in the cool water.  Due to our late arrival back home, this group will now meet at 7:30 when anticipating such a long hike. The first time for that will be July 8, when we circle around Castle and Basin.

On Round Lake Trail. Island lake

Shotgun

Penner

Island