“Whenever you’re ready, to give it up or to just give in; the more you lose hell the more you win; in spite of all of your plans, it’s always been out of your hands” Mary Chapin Carpenter (Whenever You’re Ready)
The hike to Fourth of July Lake is one that covers a variety of mountain terrain, and is probably best known for its’ blanket of wildflowers along the way in mid to late July. I have hiked this area many times before and consider this one of my favorites. I hadn’t done it in a few years, as this is an area that is highly used and thus, doesn’t provide a lot of solitude. However, most people only go to Winnemmuca and Round Top Lakes and don’t make it all the way to Fourth of July. So I always know that I will achieve some quiet if I make that my destination.
There are two ways to get to these lakes: 1. start at the trailhead at the Carson Pass or 2. start at the trailhead at Woods Lake. Both have a $5 parking fee. I have always gone via the Carson Pass, so this time I decided to hike the Woods Lake loop. This is a longer hike, a total of approximately 10.2 miles round trip and is considered moderate to strenuous. Elevation gain on this hike is about 2,300 feet. This hike is always beautiful, but wildflower season is brilliant. There is always a bit of a waiting game to hit the flower season at its’ peak, and this year was a tough read with the long winter season. Because of this, I waited a little longer and went the first week of August, and it was perfect! Keep in mind that during the summer, it is best to make this trek during the week and early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
So off I went heading out of the Woods Lake area and up the mountain side towards Winnemucca Lake. The hillsides were covered with Indian Paintbrush, Lup,ine Arrowleaf Senecio, and Fleabanes. I took my time and enjoyed great views of the creek and wildflowers. I also let the loud group behind me pass by, so I could enjoy the variety of sounds of this natural wonderland without human interference. Once I arrived at Lake Winnemucca, I followed the trail along side the lake, and took a few pictures. There were too many people there for my liking, so I didn’t spend a lot of time there.
As I left the lake, I had a pretty steep ascent which included navigating through a pretty good size snowfield. Adjacent to the snowfield was a bed of marsh marigold, which was really beautiful. They like to grow in wet areas, and these were right in the middle of the shallow creek. Aaaaaand this is where I slipped and fell directly in the water. It was a good thing it was a warm and sunny day! I was also happy that I had shorts that were made of the wick away, fast drying material! Proof positive as to why not to wear cotton.
As I made my way to the top of the ridge and over to Round Top Lake, I was astonished at the wildflowers that lined the lake. I had never seen so much fireweed in one place and it was worth taking several pics. Round Top is a pristine mountain lake with peaks setting the background of the bright azure water. Add in the fireweed, and it is a perfect scene. It’s truly surreal…
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There were a number of people at this lake as well and rightly so, as this beauty beckons to be experienced. I spent more time here and explored the different areas of the lake. I knew that my solitude would come once I soldiered on past this lake. Most people make this their final destination. One of the reasons is that there is a climb out of the lake, and a much larger snowfield to cross as well as a long steep descent down to Fourth of July Lake. This means a steep uphill to head back!
As I made my way, I was rewarded with some fantastic views of Caples Lake and then started my descent. I was really pleased to see so many wildflowers along the hillside! They greeted me and led me down the wide open trail, offering fantastic views and a sense of solitude that was not present at the other lakes. Once I arrived at the lake, I sought out a nice shady spot to enjoy lunch and rest my legs for the journey back. As I anticipated, there were not as many people here, and I was able to listen to the wind and watch the sun glint off of the lake.
After about an hour, I made the trek back up the long, steep mountainside and headed back to Round Top Lake. Here I took the Round Top Lake junction to finish the loop and back to the trailhead. I do like the looping trails because it gives a fresh, new look on the journey home. And home on this trek was beautiful Woods Lake. I spent some time reflecting here at the end of the day. I thought about how patience can be a blessing and a curse. That sometimes the waiting game brings spectacular results. That all of this is not in my hands. That wildflowers and mountainsides make my heart happy. And that these places, at any time of the year, fill my soul…the important thing is to be open and ready.
