It had been 12 years since Lisa and I had gone backpacking, so we decided to head back to Eagles Nest Wilderness (the last place we'd gone was Booth Lake in Eagles Nest Wilderness), but this time we hiked to Upper Cataract Lake. This lake is up above Green Mountain Reservoir and was a 5.5 mile 2,500 ft climb, but was nestled just below Eagles Nest Peak on the north end of the wilderness.
Campsites were still limited due to the amount of lingering snow, and the extra moisture this summer led to more mosquitos than I've ever seen anywhere (we felt like Pigpen from Peanuts with a cloud of mosquitos around us at all times), but the trip was amazing. We were even (rudely) awakened by two goats that decided to explore our camp site at 1am, 3am, and 5am - but thankfully they left everything exactly as they found it.
We hiked to Mirror Lake (about 2 miles away) the following day, but was limited in our exploration due to snow and high water making crossing the creek impossible - but it was still a great and beautiful day hike.
Starting out on our first backpacking trip in 12 years
Our first clear view of Eagles Nest peak
Still a good bit of snow at elevation
Arriving at Upper Cataract Lake
Cataract Creek flowing under a massive amount of snow
Walking along waterlogged camp sites on the lake shore
Our dining spot
Cooking dinner up on our kitchen rock above the campsite
Hanging food (to keep away from the goats)
Upper Cataract Lake
Upper Cataract Lake
Small tarn adjacent to Upper Cataract Lake
Not a bad view to dine from
Time for breakfast
Mmmmm...powdered eggs!
Mort the Marmot decided that he was interested in our breakfast
Much better! Rehydrated (and delicious)
Mort the Marmot continues to check us out
Mort the Marmot continues to check us out
Mort the Marmot continues to check us out
The lower side of Cataract Creek flowing under the snow
Trying (and failing) to cross Cataract Creek below the lake
On top of the snow
Cataract Creek below the lake
Looking out northward towards Kremling
Hiking towards Mirror Lake
A curious Pika along the trail
Below Mirror Lake
Climbing through the boulders near Mirror Lake
Climbing through the boulders near Mirror Lake
Climbing through the boulders near Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake
Climbing through the boulders near Mirror Lake
Upper Cataract Lake
Back at camp
Camp, from our camp kitchen
Gary the Goat stops in to check out our dinner
Our view from dinner
Gary continues to investigate
Looking across the tarn to our tent
The third time in the night that Gary and friend decided to wander through camp (waking us up and scaring us)
Goat evidence in our campsite
Mosquitos wouldn't leave us alone on the trip - here are 5 that were on Lisa's hat (and there were at least 20 more in the air)
Dramatic instagram worthy #youdidntsleepthere photo with our tent on the kitchen rock
