Opal Lake Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

There are three to four creek crossings, and it's mostly an uphill climb for the first mile.

From the trailhead to 0.7 miles in is almost all uphill over small rocks and tree roots. Then cross the first creek and it's back to uphill climbing for another 0.2 miles. That's when the mixed forest turns into a huge aspen grove. Just past the aspens it begins to level out and it's a fairly easy hike the rest of the way to the lake with two or three small creek crossings. All of the creek crossings have cut logs in the water to use as bridges, but tread carefully as some are loose.

Opal Lake at the top is very beautiful. It is full of magnesium, which is how it gets its color and name. If fire restrictions are not in place there is a fire ring next to the lake. Follow the stream that feeds into the lake here and you'll come to the spring that feeds the lake and the creek below.

HUGE aspen trees and beetle kill pine can be found here, not to mention daisies. Mule deer, elk, and bear roam the area.