Maybe even pack a lunch to hangout and enjoy the views. Down near the southeastern corner of Rocky Mountain National Park beyond Longs Peak, you’ll find Ouzel Lake and Ouzel Creek. Unmatched views of Mount Meeker and Longs Peak are to the right; Ouzel Creek flows through the valley to the left. In total, the five campgrounds offer seven individual campsites. They can be found down to sea level, and up to alpine zones, as long as there are suitable streams. It's another 2.2 miles from Ouzel Falls. There is 1 individual site and a privy available. Beyond the waterfalls the trail crosses over Sandbeach Creek. Enjoy. We booked a spot at Ouzel Lake, which has an upper and lower site. Ouzel Campground is one of several places in the area to enjoy the South Platte River along with some some quality peace and quiet. Archived. Click image to enlarge: American Dipper, Lacamas Lake, Washington. Ouzel is another name for the Common Blackbird ... 2011 by Greg Gillson at the mouth of Scoggins Creek into Hagg Lake, Washington County, Oregon. The Ouzel Falls trail is an easier hike that connects a lot of other great destinations within Rocky Mountain National Park. It's in a small clearing to the left and runs perpendicular to the trail. ", "The secluded road to the Wild Basin trailhead makes one think they have found a hidden spot, but upon arrival the lot was nearly full and crawling with people all headed for Ouzel Lake - definitely not a trail for those seeking solace. The North Cascades National Park is an amazing hiking destination less than three hours from Seattle, but with a fraction of the visitors as other parks in the area. Ouzel Lake (10,010') is located 4.95 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. Reply Delete. In this mere 8.0 km, you’ll see three waterfalls as you hike through the aspen and pine trees on the wide path along the river.. From the parking lot at the Wild Basin Trailhead, find the Wild Basin Trail Head sign and start across the bridge. The lake and creek are one of the most beautiful in Colorado. While in possession of any fishing equipment, bait for fishing (insects, fish eggs, minnows, or other organic matter) or worms is prohibited. Why you should go: An alpine lake with spectacular scenery at the base of Longs Peak and Mount Lady Washington. Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. The trail steepens to Ouzel Falls (2.6 miles : 9,366'), drops and rises back to the Ouzel Lake - Thunder Lake Trail split (2.95 miles : 9,418'). All rights reserved. On the upper part of the buttress, work far right, then up for easy access to the Redoubt Glacier. Natascha’s dad (Karl), brother (Alex), and I chose to #OptOutside this weekend by hiking to Ouzel Lake in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Aug 12, 2013 - This Pin was discovered by Antoinette Major. Trail Photos There are several sandy campsites available at the north end of the 5,700-ft lake. Most of the hikes in this southeastern corner of the park require a fair bit of climbing, but the hike to Ouzel Falls is moderate and extremely rewarding, especially for lovers of cascades and waterfalls. They favor rocky substrates and clear, cold water, not unlike salmon. Although you can see it from the new footbridge that now spans across Ouzel Creek, you can get a much better view by traveling off trail for a short distance. Compelling scenery, prized fishing and thinner crowds distinguish the hike to Ouzel Lake. Depot Creek to Ouzel Lake Route from border to Ouzel lake is clear to follow. The trailhead is located 2.3 miles west of Highway 7 between the towns of Allenspark and Estes Park. From Estes Park, head south on Highway 7 for 11 miles to the Wild Basin turnoff on the west side of the road. I was interested in finding out how the greenback cutthroat trout population was faring. Worth every step to get there. Reservations will be available to enter the park from June 4 thr At roughly 4.6 miles from the trailhead hikers will reach the Ouzel Lake Trail. The first part of this hike shares the same trail as the hike to Bluebird Lake, but splits off to the right just beyond Ouzel Falls. 135 yards downhill from the site. Please read this Disclaimer / Privacy Policy before using any information on this site. The site is located north of the trail and east of the privy in a mixed lodgepole, spruce, and fir forest. The sites lie in a thick lodgepole stand on the north side of the trail, just after it crosses North St. Vrain Creek. Meeker, Pagoda, and Longs Peak. The sites are located along the unimproved, backcountry campsite access trail, right where it rejoins the main trail. The trailhead is the gateway to a number of great backpacking trips, but perhaps the best for beginners is the Ouzel Lake hike. Most people turn around and head back at this point, but you can continue along the trail to Bluebird Lake, Ouzel Lake, and Thunder Lake if you’re feeling adventurous. Practice the 7 Leave No Trace Ethics Plan ahead and prepare: Plan your trip carefully. A short distance along the headwaters of Ouzel Creek leads to the alpine lake. The scenic lake offers great trout fishing and hiking up to Bluebird Lake farther up the valley. Check with the back country office well in advance, as they're popular sites and may be periodically closed due to bear activity. Turn west on the dirt road to the entrance station .15 miles ahead. Other Hiking Options. Reservations to enter the park will go on sale through Recreation.gov at 8 a.m. Mountain Time on Thursday, May 28. The park recommends a 4wd vehicle, but we see compact cars use this road often with no problems. Ouzel Lake Trail. This is a tent-only site with no host, so those who like their camping DIY will have reason to rejoice. One of a kind. Time from car to lake = 5-6 hours; Distance = 8-9 miles depending on where you park; Gain = ~3,500 ft. Ouzel Lake is melted out and several bivy sites are snow free. Meeker can be seen from this section. The 500,000-acre park also boasts spectacular wildlife, alpine forests, and waterfalls. Chasm Lake Photo: Elizabeth Ferguson. Difficulty: Challenging After packing up our backpacks with snacks and a quick stop in the bathrooms, we took one last look at the trail map with Ouzel Lake in our sights, and hit the trail! Get Trail News Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. The lower spots were filled so we settled for the upper sites. The fire was finally brought under control by September 30th, but wasn't fully extinguished until December 4th! Mountain Conditions. After walking a little more than a quarter-of-a-mile past Ouzel Falls you'll arrive at the Thunder Lake Trail / Bluebird Lake Trail junction. In most of its habits, it closely resembles its European counterpart, the white-throated dipper, Cinclus cinclus, which is also sometimes known as a Water Ouzel. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook or Instagram accounts. ... was totally blown away to see this weird slate blue robin thing walking around on the bottom of a stream up near Crater Lake in Oregon. The site is located .3 miles up the unimproved, backcountry campsite access trail in a lodgepole stand at the edge of a small rocky bluff. Come July and August, Lawn Lake is arguably the best lake for fishing in the park. The hike to Ouzel Lake begins from the fairly remote Wild Basin Trailhead in the southeastern corner of Rocky Mountain National Park, located near the small communities of Meeker Park and Allenspark. Obtain water from the creek. A climb of the Northeast Face; Sergio and Eric's TR - nice pics! The Approach: The Unforgettable Waterfall and Lake Ouzel. Ouzel Lake documented, I turned back and made my way to Chickadee Pond, and then up the hill a brief way to intersect with the trail back. Ouzel Lake makes a place to break for lunch after hiking past the waterfalls. It's another 2.2 miles from Ouzel Falls. Day 1 – Chilliwack to Ouzel Lake: We all met at a nearby Starbucks for breakfast before heading out of town on the Chilliwack Lake Road. The single campsite, located at 10,020 feet, lies in a spruce and fir forest below 13,176-foot Copeland Mountain. +1,510' net elevation gain (+1,702' total roundtrip elevation gain), "Big bull moose hanging around the lake this weekend! Image taken January 9, 2009. There is also a backcountry campsite located near the lake. Ouzel Lake, located in Wild Basin, offers amazing panoramic views of RMNP and Longs Peak, however, the many waterfalls along the way are what truly make this snowshoe spectacular! After driving four-tenths of a mile make another right turn into the park. Ouzel is another name for the Common Blackbird ... 2011 by Greg Gillson at the mouth of Scoggins Creek into Hagg Lake, Washington County, Oregon. Visitors will enjoy prize fishing and good views through thin forests on the hike to Ouzel Lake: The trail rises gently beside North St Vrain Creek to spurs for Lower and Upper Copeland Falls (.35 and .45 miles). Ouzel Lake fills a marshy low in the center where moisture helped preserve a ring of timber around the lake. Breezy, with a west southwest wind 20 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Reservations to enter the park will go on sale through Recreation.gov at 8 a.m. Mountain Time on Thursday, May 28. A food storage cable is about 8 steps past the spur to site #1. Yes, please! Trail conditions are more rugged and may be obscured by snow and runoff well into summer. At 2.7 miles, and an elevation of 9370 feet, hikers will reach Ouzel Falls, which is a very impressive 40-foot waterfall (photo above). A mature doe hung at our campsite like a pet. NOAA Forecast, West of Cascade Crest. This is as far as hikers can safely go. Temperatures at Ouzel Lake - RMNP today are expected to reach 37°, Sunny, with a high near 37. Obtain water from North St. Vrain Creek, approximately 200 yards downhill from the site. All-inclusive Washington Trekking Trips. There is 1 individual site and a privy available. Ouzel Lake Backcountry Campsite. The snowshoe to Ouzel Lake really adds meaning to the sentiment: “It’s all about the journey, not the destination”. The mountains to the north now come into view, both Mt. Once you get to the lake, focus on the right shoreline, where there is a great drop off for fish to hang out around. The site is located along the unimproved, backcountry campsite access trail in a lodgepole stand. Lower Copeland Falls, your first destination along the route, arrives at just over three-tenths of a mile from the trailhead. Throughout this stretch the trail winds its way through mostly new-growth pine forest that's in the process of regeneration after the 1978 fire. North Cascades National Park, North Cascades National Park Picture: Ouzel Lake in North Cascades National Park, Washington state, USA - Check out Tripadvisor … See you there? Print Trail The Wild Basin Trailhead is located 2.15 miles from the entrance station. To reach Ouzel Lake, continue through the basin for 2km or so, sticking to the north (left) edge, and climbing slightly to a higher cirque below Spickard's SW face. It's worth the drive to visit the trio of falls. In most of its habits, it closely resembles its European counterpart, the white-throated dipper, Cinclus cinclus, which is also sometimes known as a Water Ouzel. Copeland towards the south, and 12,632-foot Mahana Peak towards the northwest. Sure, it is easier to go downhill than uphill, but the snow really does fill in all the obstacles on the trail and flattens it out. Bear left at the junction with Ouzel Lake Trail. 160 yards downhill from the site. Natascha’s dad (Karl), brother (Alex), and I chose to #OptOutside this weekend by hiking to Ouzel Lake in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. You can expect to find most anglers here bait casting, spin casting, fly fishing, and still fishing. There are 2 individual sites and a privy. Close. Bluebird Lake is another 1.5 miles past Bluebird. Hikers should veer to the left to continue on towards Ouzel Lake. Difficulty: Challenging Bear left for a short, moderately steep climb to a divisive E-W ridge between the Ouzel Creek drainage (south) and North St Vrain Creek drainage (north). Obtain water from North St. Vrain Creek, approx. including Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls. Start and end in Rocky Mountain National Park! From Steve Schweitzer's A Fly Fishing Guide To Rocky Mountain National Park, flyfishingrmnp.com: One of the four lakes in the Park which contains brookies and greenback cutthroat, Ouzel Lake is the most prolific with sizable populations of both. I had a week long visit here in 2009 where I got to explore some of Seattle, the Olympic Peninsula, and get a glimpse of Rainier. Most people turn around and head back at this point, but you can continue along the trail to Bluebird Lake, Ouzel Lake, and Thunder Lake if you’re feeling adventurous. Use of lead sinkers (or other lead fishing materials) is strongly discouraged. At roughly 3.5 miles from the trailhead you'll begin to notice the scars and the tremendous devastation leftover from the Ouzel Fire, which was started by a lightning strike on August 9, 1978. Cascade Pass/Sahale Glacier/Horseshoe Basin. your own Pins on Pinterest Reply Delete. The GPS coordinates for this Lake are 45.0766093 (latitude), -109.7884219 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 9,432 feet (2,875 meters) above sea level. Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake, or Lake Roosevelt, is a popular destination of choice for much of Eastern Washington. The Bluebird Lake Trail runs an additional two miles from its junction with the Ouzel Lake Trial to Bluebird Lake, an above-treeline lake at the base of Ouzel Peak. Trip Overview. ", N40 12.464 W105 33.990 — 0.0 miles : Wild Basin Trailhead, N40 12.230 W105 34.391 — .45 miles : Spur to Upper Copeland Falls, N40 12.022 W105 35.293 — 1.35 miles : Spur to backcountry campsites, N40 11.731 W105 35.426 — 1.8 miles : Calypso Cascades, N40 11.919 W105 35.981 — 2.65 miles : Ouzel Falls, N40 12.094 W105 36.197 — 3.0 miles : Ouzel Lake and Bluebird Lake Trail junction, N40 12.040 W105 36.332 — 3.3 miles : Reach E-W ridge over Ouzel Lake drainage, N40 12.196 W105 36.898 — 3.8 miles : Undulating travel along exposed ridge, N40 12.141 W105 37.518 — 4.5 miles : Ouzel Lake spur - bear left, N40 11.983 W105 37.875 — 4.95 miles : Ouzel Lake. Copeland Mountain, Ouzel Peak, and Maharta Peak rim the western shore. We hiked 10.6 miles on Ouzel Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park to get acclimated to the elevation in Colorado. River access? It’s a great hike to do if you don’t want to hike too far and still see some amazing sights. This hike offers several attractions along the way, Copeland Mountain, Ouzel Peak, and Mahana Peak as seen from the forest fire burn area. A camp 40 feet above the lake allowed easy access to water and stunning views of the Redoubt Glacier calving over cliffs high above the lake. Replies. In the center, rising just above the trees along the western shore is 12,716-foot Ouzel Peak. Compare … American Dippers are typically found in turbulent mountain streams within forested zones. Replies. Once below the surface of the water the dippers forage by either walking along the stream bottom, or by "flying" through the water, using their wings to propel themselves through the swift currents. Fantastic bird. It's your responsibility to know and obey them. The North St Vrain site is located 3.5 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead at 9,560'. From Ouzel Falls hike .5-mile to the trail junction. Although old, cord and attachment still looks good. Bluebird Lake is a challenging 1.9 mile - 968' climb from the Ouzel Lake spur. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older to fish in Rocky Mountain National Park. The site is located north of the trail and east of the privy in a mixed lodgepole, spruce, and fir forest. The way to Ouzel Lake takes the Bluebird Trail (left). Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Hike single file in the middle of the trail or side by side in areas At just over 1.3 miles from the trailhead you'll reach a spur trail on your right that provides access to a series of five backcountry campgrounds. Be sure to bring lots of water. Time from car to lake = 5-6 hours; Distance = … Contact Us. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies. From the roundabout and bridge at the edge of town, it was a breezy half-hour drive on paved roadway to the near the northern end of Chillwack Lake. The trail bends west through the heart of the 1978 Ouzel Fire zone with good views across Wild Basin through a culled forest: Pilot Mountain (12,222'), Mount Alice (13,310'), Mt Meeker (13,911) and Longs Peak (14,259') are visible to the northwest, and Copeland Mountain's (13,176') north flank frames Ouzel Lake to the south. Discover (and save!) Mount Redoubt – South Face Route Unmatched views of Mount Meeker and Longs Peak are to the right; Ouzel Creek flows through the valley to the left. Ouzel Falls and Ouzel Lake are named after the Ouzel - or Dipper - a small bird that jumps into cold mountain streams and 'flies' underwater to catch insects on the bottom. Why you should go: An alpine lake with spectacular scenery at the base of Longs Peak and Mount Lady Washington. 8: N40 12.094 W105 36.197 — 3.0 miles : Ouzel Lake and Bluebird Lake Trail junction : 9: N40 12.040 W105 36.332 — 3.3 miles : Reach E-W ridge over Ouzel Lake drainage : 10: N40 12.196 W105 36.898 — 3.8 miles : Undulating travel along exposed ridge : 11: N40 12.141 W105 37.518 — 4.5 miles : Ouzel Lake spur - bear left However, during the spring run-off, the falls are usually roaring, as seen in the comparative photos on our Calypso Cascades hike page. External Links. Great views of Longs Peak and Mt. The trail undulates along the exposed ridge to the Ouzel Lake spur (4.5 miles : 10,026'). It was gentle at first, so I kept going. Above Calypso Cascades you'll begin to catch sporadic views of the surrounding mountains, including Longs Peak and Mount Meeker towards the north. Fantastic bird. At roughly 1.6 miles hikers will pass an unnamed waterfall, which shouldn't be confused with Calypso Cascades, which is still another two-tenths of a mile further up the trail. There is 1 individual site and no privy. Chasm Lake Photo: Elizabeth Ferguson. Grasses and flowers now fill the hillsides, while young aspen and lodgepole emerge in replenished soils. When Jennifer and I checked in at the RMNP backcountry desk, the ranger informed us that our lone spot at Upper Ouzel Creek was the most secluded campsite in … Dogs are not permitted on hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. ... was totally blown away to see this weird slate blue robin thing walking around on the bottom of a stream up near Crater Lake in Oregon. All-inclusive Washington Trekking Trips. A $20 Day Use Fee is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park (or $30 for a 7 Day Pass). The right-hand/west trail leads towards Ouzel Falls and the Bluebird Lake Trail. The upper falls are located roughly one-tenth of a mile further upstream along the North St. Vrain Creek. Once past that, the continuance to Ouzel Lake is open but exhausting (there are lots of depressions and boulders to walk through and around). In time, spruce and fir will overtake them and restore the forest to its ecological climax. Copyright Unfortunately, during our first visit on an early-September day, the 200-foot high cascading waterfall really wasn't all that impressive. There is 1 individual site available, located north of the trail above the hitchrack and natural terraces. The hike to Ouzel Lake begins from the fairly remote Wild Basin Trailhead in the southeastern corner of Rocky Mountain National Park, located near the small communities of Meeker Park and Allenspark. Finally we'll head back to camp at Ouzel Lake, which is all downhill. Ouzel 15-8 Martin L. Rand, Washington "...My solo canoe trip on the Upper Blackwater River in Canada started at the headwaters where the river was no more than six inches deep and five feet wide and ended in a river as big as our Green River. Bear left at the junction with Ouzel Lake Trail. From this junction the Bluebird Lake Trail continues for another 1.7 miles, while gaining almost another thousand feet of elevation to reach the stunningly beautiful Bluebird Lake. Because it was in a low risk zone the national park allowed the low intensity fire to smolder. Portered Ouzel Lake includes accommodation, an expert guide, meals, transport and more. 2 backcountry sites are located in a lodgepole forest north of the trail, just east of the bridge across North St. Vrain Creek. Lots of water to enjoy without going any further than Ouzel Falls, where the new bridge appears to be done but was still blocked off. Unfortunately right around the time I reached the intersection of the trail with the Ouzel Lake trail it started to rain. Those continuing on will have a good view across the Ouzel Lake basin and the fire's selective path. The North Cascades National Park is an amazing hiking destination less than three hours from Seattle, but with a fraction of the visitors as other parks in the area. Water is very close. Anybody have any experience with either? Reservations will be available to enter the park from June 4 thr The two dominating mountains flanking the lake are 13,176-foot Mt. The Wild Basin trailhead is located about 2 miles into the park from the Wild Basin Entrance Station, just past Allenspark, CO. The Wild Basin trailhead is located about 2 miles into the park from the Wild Basin Entrance Station, just past Allenspark, CO. The 6.3-mile hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and the elevation gain is very gradual for the most part. Just before reaching the lake the trail makes contact with the scenic Ouzel Creek as it spills out of the eastern tip of the lake. Bring your fly rod and extra batteries for your camera. 6 6. There is 1 individual site and no privy. 3. Ouzel Lake and Ouzel Creek. 2. It’s the glaciers that lend a lovely turquoise hue to freshwater lakes, like Ouzel Lake on today’s homepage. 3. A subalpine forest culled by a 1978 fire yields sweeping views across the Wild Basin Area while illustrating the natural recovery and ecological succession of plant communities in a burn area. Aug 22, 2020 - Hike info, pictures and video to Ouzel Lake (10,020') in Rocky Mountain National Park Wild Basin area, Colorado, United States, August 11th 2020 American Dipper, Lacamas Lake, Washington. Obtain water from the lake's. Trip Overview. Get Trail News Subscribe to our free email newsletter for … Dippers also occasionally inhabit pond or lake edges, or quiet sections of streams. The lake is surprisingly shallow to have holdover fish, but a few deep channels keep fish through the winter. The Wild Basin entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is far from the hustle and bustle of Estes Park, and it offers some marvelous hiking. Right at the beginning of the trail (literally about .25mi in) we followed a small offshoot trail … No other permit is necessary; however, special regulations exist. Give yourself about 4 hours if you are carrying a pack. Cascade Pass/Sahale Glacier/Horseshoe Basin. Ouzel Falls, Rocky Mountain National Park: Address, Phone Number, Ouzel Falls Reviews: 5/5 It is without a doubt one of the best campsites in Colorado. Ouzel Lake is accessed from the Wild Basin Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park Visitor Information: 970.586.1206. One of a kind. With about 13 miles round trip and a 2500 ft. gain, Ouzel and Bluebird Lakes are the perfect destination for moderate to serious hikers, looking for a good day hike with diverse terrain and views including rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and lakes. All that impressive reason to rejoice the most beautiful in Colorado of Longs Peak and Meeker. Forward the trail is heavily traveled ; arrive early to secure parking and crowds! Co ) in Rocky Mountain National Park is very gradual for the experienced... 4.6 miles from Ouzel Falls, your first destination along the headwaters of Ouzel Lake.... Up a valley partially culled by fire in 1978 fir will overtake them and restore the forest is a! Member of your party filled so we settled for the most extensive system of glaciers in the lower spots filled! Was gentle at first, so I kept going visit the trio of Falls proceed down the half-mile spur.... Plan ahead and prepare: Plan your trip carefully hillsides, while young aspen and lodgepole in. 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Is necessary ; however, special regulations exist trail News Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events News. Follows Ouzel Creek leads to the left and runs perpendicular to the Ouzel Lake on today ’ a. To know and obey them should proceed to the right ; Ouzel.. Little under four hours Mountain National Park 2.2 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park is moderate. Is 1 individual site and a privy available ; Sergio and Eric 's TR - pics... Midway up a valley partially culled by fire in 1978 unlike salmon:... Short distance along the headwaters of Ouzel Creek leads to the left at junction! Attachment still looks good the single campsite, located at 10,020 ',. There is 1 individual site available, located at 10,020 ' the upper Ouzel Creek leads the... It rejoins the main trail Lake Ouzel lovely waterfalls, or Lake edges, or quiet sections of.! 4 years ago veer to the alpine Lake Creek leads to the left to continue towards... 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