“I like to think, that to one in sympathy with nature, each season, in turn, seems the loveliest.” Mark Twain
It has been awhile since I’ve done any writing, and I feel that it is time. For the past couple of years, I have not been inspired, instead sitting in the fear and trepidation of the pandemic and the negative energy that has enveloped our world. However, I do think the pandemic allowed me time to re-evaluate what inspires my life and to re-focus my energies on the beauty of the world and the positive that people can bring to it. It has also been good for me to practice setting energetic boundaries that don’t allow the negative in and to slow the pace of life in order to reflect on all of the wonders that lie ahead. And so much good lies ahead!
If you are looking for a short, easy hike in the Sierra near Lake Tahoe, then this is one for you. The hike to Lake Azalea, Lake Flora and Lake Angela via the PCT begins at the PCT trailhead at Donner Summit off of I80. If you are driving west from Sacramento, exit at the Boreal Ridge/Castle Peak and make a right as if you are going to the ski resort. At the stop sign, turn left and it will take you into the parking area for the PCT. If you hike to all three lakes the round trip distance is about 3.9 miles. I have done this one many times in varying seasons, and I have enjoyed it each time. I have been every season except fall as there is not a lot of color in this rocky heavily pined area. This photo essay includes images from all three seasons for you to enjoy. So, journey with me, as we take a look at each lake.
The trail is easy to follow in the summer but can be difficult after a fresh snow in the winter. However, this is a heavily trafficked area year round, so most of the time, even in the snow, the trail is easy to follow. Of course, I always recommend GPS or compass/map to make sure you are on the right path. So, as I started the hike through the forest and around giant rock formations, I came upon a very large pond. I have heard some people call this an unnamed lake , because of its’ size. Nevertheless, I climbed up the rock formation on the right to get a great view. In the winter, I was able to walk across this pond and explore some of the opposite shoreline that the trail doesn’t go by. In the photos below, I took the summer photo from the large rock formation and in the winter photo, I am standing in the middle of the pond looking towards the rock formation that I was standing on in the summer photo. It’s pretty amazing how different landscapes look in different seasons. And all of them with a unique beauty of their own.
After about a mile of hiking, I reached the first lake, Lake Azalea. A quiet mountain lake encircled by pine trees, Lake Azalea shimmers as an invitation for a swim or place to reflect on a warm summer day. One could spend the afternoon here, if not for more beauty on the trail ahead. The trail follows along the shoreline from one end to the other and then veers off towards Lake Flora just a short distance away.
From my perspective, Lake Flora, albeit smaller, is even more beautiful than Lake Azalea. It too is surrounded by pines and rocky crags, and the reflections off of the water are stunning. Here is where I found respite, time to take it all in, reflect, and enjoy lunch.
If you hike to the other side of Lake Flora, you will find outstanding views of Donner Lake and Truckee. You literally feel like you are on top of the world without having to climb!
The final lake on this trek is Lake Angela. Out of the many times I have hiked here, I have only gone to this lake twice. Not because, it was tough or far, but because this is private property, and a lake that provides water to the homes in this area. It too, is a pretty lake but not as much as the other two. It is also a little trickier to get to, so using GPS and an ALL TRAILS map is helpful. As I mentioned earlier, this is an outstanding short hike that will bring you a sense of this beautiful landscape without having to do any climbing. So, whenever you decide to take this trek, don’t forget to take a lunch, some sunscreen and most importantly an open spirit to all that this area has to offer.
