Every since reading about the presence of lily pads on Rock Lake in the spring, I've wanted to hike back up there. I made the 8-ish mile out-and-back hike back in February and loved the lake, but it was still full of snow and slush at that time of year and not very hospitable to spring growth. I decided today was the day. I mean after all, I had only run the Biggest Little 5k yesterday and the Moms on the Run 5k this morning. I figured my legs could use a little more exercise (I'm sure I'll be paying for that tomorrow).
Starting up the well-maintained and now reasonably familiar trail from Davis Creek Regional Park, I decided to take it fairly slow. I was already a little sore from my earlier run, but I still made pretty good time up the steep trail. I was afraid that there might be a bit of snow or at least mud on the trail, as we have recently had a little bit of rain/snow fall, but it was bone-dry; another reminder of the drought conditions were are in. At about the two-mile mark, I hit the now very familiar crossing of Ophir Creek. As always, crossing the fingers of this creek is a matter of patience, balance, and path-finding, but as I hopped from rock to rock and balanced across some small fallen logs, I made it to the other side and safety without incident.
As I start up the steepest part of the trail, I start to question my common-sense in doing this today, immediately after running two 5k's, but as I'm planning on doing an overnight-er next weekend, I really need the workout. Arriving at the fork and spotting the sign for Rock Lake, I make the right turn and start down the hill to my destination. It's only about a quarter of a mile until the lake (or at least the stained boulders submerged in the lake) come into view. Unlike many alpine lakes, this one is unusual in that it is littered with giant granite boulders that have, over the eons, been stained to a rich golden yellow color, presumably by something mineral or biological in the water.
Unlike my last trip to the lake though, I decided to really embrace the rock crawling/climbing this time and maneuvered my way all the way out to the largest visibly open spot on the lake. And to my satisfaction, there they are . . . lily pads. As I admire the plants, I'm greeted by a small group of mallard ducks flying around and landing and then flying again on the lacks surface. I take a few minutes to relax and eat a snack before heading back over the rocky terrain and making my way back to the jeep. All in all, it was only 8.5 miles, but with already-tired legs, it seemed like a bit more.
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