A peaceful, moderate hike to Lake Genevieve

I have to admit there really isn’t anything that stands out specifically on this hike, but it’s one of the best hikes through a mixed forest wonderland.  The hike to Lake Genevieve is moderate and extremely peaceful.  The hike leads up a pretty steady climb through the forest with various types of trees and plant life.  The lake is about 4.5 miles into the hike leaving from Meeks Bay Trailhead and you’ll gain about 1,100 feet of elevation.  If you wanted to continue further into Desolation Wilderness there is much more to see such as Crag Lake, Grouse Lake, Phipps Peak and more.

I woke up early this morning for the hike.  The weather wasn’t very cooperative today, but I was able to get to my destination, Lake Genevieve.  On the drive out to Meeks Bay Trailhead, the wind was howling and I stopped by Emerald Bay for a nice picture.  Once I reached the trailhead, I quickly packed up my Granite Rocx pack and was on my way.  The first, about mile and half of trail is a flat dirt road until you reach a sign on the right for Desolation Wilderness.  That’s really where the trail starts.  From there you’ll follow the trail on a consistent climb, but nothing too difficult, through the forest with trees such as Douglas Fir, Red Fir, pines and probably some others I don’t know of.  Below are some pictures!

Continue along the trail and you’ll reach a log bridge about 3.5 miles into the hike that crosses over Meeks Creek.  From there continue along the trail for a mile, like I did, and you’ll reach Lake Genevieve.  The lake is small, but very pretty and surrounded by mountains.  Some weather was starting to move in so I only spent a few minutes at the lake and then made my way back to the trailhead.  Enjoy more pictures!

The hike to Lake Genevieve could be perfect on a hot summer day as you’re covered in shade pretty much the whole hike.  If you have hiked to Lake Genevieve or even further into Desolation Wilderness from Meeks Bay, make a comment below!  Also, follow me on twitter @sberei!