Sept 16 - Red Pine Lake (Little Cottonwood)

Heading to Red Pine Lake today. It will be 2nd visit of the season (last one was in late July). Hoping to see a little of the Fall colors that are really starting to pop now. But I do have to say, the colors are not as good as last year basically because we've had no rain this summer (that includes the mountains).

But hopefully the rain situation is changing as we finally had decent showers on Tues & Wed - the mountains may have gotten some rain yesterday as there were plenty of dark clouds hovering over them,

The temps have also been unseasonably cool the last few days (love it)! When I left my house this morning just after 8am, it was barely 50 degrees -- going to be cool at 7600+ ft.

I arrive around 8:30. Boy is it nippy -- the fleece is a must at least at the start. The trail is in the shade and it probably will be until I reach the last 1/2 mile. (The trail is 3.25 miles and 2000ft -- lake is at 9600ft.)

I start the trail. The aspen around the parking area are just starting to change. But lots of color in the brush and other vegetation. Purple Asters and Pearly Everlastings are still blooming - lots of Pearly Everlastings.

Noisy forest this morning with sounds of squirrels and chipmunks getting ready for winter. There are also lots of pine cones on the trail - some "normal" Fir cones and what looks like very immature Douglas Fir cones - they've got the "mouse tail".

Definitely signs of rain up there especially during the first mile -- a few puddles and a damp trail.

And I find some frost on the leaves!

At the White Pine & Red/Maybird Lakes trail split, the creek is still flowing.

I take the Red/Maybird Lakes trail and head to the overlook. 

The aspen are definitely yellowing on this part; it's just hard to really enjoy because of the shade.

What a wonderful down canyon look!

I continue up to the Red Pine and Maybird trail split at the 2.5 mile marker. I'm getting closer to the sun but still not there yet -- I'm so ready for it at this point!

After climbing up a steep rocky section, I finally reach the sun! 

The sun is just cresting over the mountains as the area is still covered in a very heavy frost (which won't last for long).

When I finally reach the lake, wow! It's so low!

Just indicates how hot & dry our summer has been.

I make my way over to the dam. And walk across. Funny how there's still a  stream of water coming from the main part of the lake flowing towards the dam.

There are Pika chirping and running around as I cross.

I reach the little island, stop for a look and head back.

I then head down the other side of the lake.

My normal lunch spot's view is interesting. (There will be no watching for trout today!)

I've always wanted to get to Upper Red Pine Lake. I tried last year and was high enough but was just several boulder fields to the left. I make my way up what should be the trail and after dodging pine cones being dropped by an angry squirrel, I come to a dead end at some huge boulders. There's also a stream flowing down the mountain side. It's got to be coming from the lake (maybe). I think about bushwhacking my way up but it was just for a second -- I'm coming down.

It's around 11am now and there's still no one at the lake but me!! But it's time to head back. The colors should be better as the sun is much higher. So here goes!

I do see one Hoary Comma on the way down.

Lovely day!