Washington Lake Group Camping, 7-10 August, 2025

For the fourth year the Cache Hikers spent a long August weekend camping and hiking among the beautiful lakes and peaks of the Uinta Mountains in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Our camping spot was the same, the Lincoln Group Site at Washington Lake, but we explored new trails along with some familiar terrain.

Our three-night stay included: 17 hikers, 1 dog, 2 travel trailers, 2 tent-trailers, 5 tents, 2 car-campers, piles of delicious food contributed by the group, lots of good conversation, plenty of sunshine and a full moon.

A new wildfire (Beulah) in the eastern part of the Uintas ignited on our first day, giving those traveling to the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway from the north a dramatic, but distant, view of billowing smoke. With winds blowing east we were saved from smoky air, but our awareness was heightened. The Forest Service work to remove beetle-killed trees was evident all around us.

Hikers split into small groups to choose their desired trails each day, sometimes revising midday to add or subtract mileage. With walkie-talkie radios we kept in touch and made sure everyone came back for dinner.

Our hikes included (estimated distance and ascent):

• Cuberant Lakes, 5.5 miles RT, 1000 ft gain
• Lofty Lake Loop with Cuberant Lakes spur, 6.5 miles, 1283 gain
• Haystack Lake, 4.2 miles RT, 370 ft gain
• Shadow Lake, 3.7 miles RT, 330 ft gain
• Three Divide Lakes, 5 miles RT, 500 ft gain
• Three Divide Lakes with Wall Lake Loop, 7.75 miles, 630 ft gain

 In addition to peak views and geological features, we were treated to late summer flowers, pika sightings, gray jays, and bird calls, including ospreys.

 Trip Summary:

• 17 participants: Bree, Brent, Bruce, Catherine, Darcie, Dave P., Dave W., David, Deanna, Deb, Dennis, Jane, Kathy, Michelle, Mitchell, Sue, Susan
• Traveled 155 or 142 miles from Logan, depending on route taken
• Temperature range from the low 40’s to the low 70’s
•   Sunny, some wind, no rain, no biting bugs, full moon, no smoke

Thanks to Jane for the narrative and photos, Dave W, Dave P, Bree, Sue, and Deanna for photos, and David for the video