Peter S.
Yelp
Meeks Bay Trail AND Genevieve Lake Trail
CLARIFICATION
Since the "Meeks Bay Trailhead" is NOT YET LISTED on Yelp, I'm putting this review under "Meeks Bay Campground", where the Meeks Bay Trailhead is located close by across HWY 89.
- At this trailhead, one can park in the small lot off the street or in the area behind the fence by the trailhead sign.
1. Trail-1: The Meeks Bay Trail (1.5mi, Easy)
- This 1.5mi beautiful trail is an EASY, flat and wide dirt path along the meadows. The path is only partially shaded; lined with small trees and brushes.
It's an easy, pleasant hike, We saw young families with babies in strollers enjoying the walk. We also spotted older folks hiking along with walking canes! At the end of this trail is an open area lined with tree trunks and big rocks, perfect for taking a rest or having a picnic. Here one will see ANOTHER TRAILHEAD sign leading to the small charming Genevieve Lake.
Trail-2: Genevieve Lake Trail (3.5 mi, Moderate)
This small, charming "Genevieve Lake" is located some 3.5mi uphill, via a mostly tree lined, rocky trail (with some Rock steps at some places). One would also see a couple of beautiful, quiet, wide open meadows and occasional, running streams along the way...! This lake is located in a wooded area, some vertical 1200ft above the trailhead. It's a perfect place to relax in over snacks and drinks, under the tall trees by the tranquil beauty of the lake!
Our Experiences that you can SKIP
In one of our quiet, slow hikes, we heard a sudden whooping boom sound from above, only a few yards from us, followed by the shadow of a diving hawk in a blur and some flying fur in the air! Then we saw the hawk flying away slowly with his prey (perhaps a squirrel) in its falcons!
Near the top by the lake, a group of friendly forest rangers were passing us by. They stopped to say hello AND asked us pleasantly to show them the stub of the Wilderness Hiking Permit, which one needs to fill out at the 1st Trailhead. Later at the lake, we'd run into them again. They told us that they were doing routine maintenance inspection.
Along the trail, every now and then we'd hear the rapid drumming of woodpeckers in the woods. We also saw a few anglers fishing quietly in the streams, as well as in Genevieve Lake above. Heavenly!
In our return trek from the lake around 4pm, we ran into a group of Boy Scouts just starting their climb, each carrying a full load of camping gear and supplies for overnight camping by the lake, and hiking farther up beyond the lake the following day!
Oh yes, indeed, the stronger and more adventurous hikers (no, I am NEITHER) can continue on from Genevieve Lake to Phipps Pass, all the way up to the Phipps Peak (1400ft vertical from the trailhead).
Go enjoy the hike! Bring lots of water, snacks, sun screen, a hat...! Oh, do fill out the Wilderness Hiking Permit at the first Trailhead by the highway. :-)
July 2014