Slide Lake, WY

Overview
Slide Lake is a scenic subalpine lake that can be reached via the Green River Lakes Trailhead. The intersection for the trail to Slide Lake can be reached after hiking about 3.3 miles along the trail to Clear Creek Natural Bridge. Please note that at the time of this description the bridge crossing Clear Creek was out. There are fording options just before you reach the Slide Lake Trail. Use extreme caution when fording the creek early in the season.


The Hike
Slide Lake is reached via the Green River Lakes Trailhead. From the trailhead, continue on the trail to Clear Creek Natural Bridge. The trail is in excellent shape and takes you along the scenic shores of Green River Lake. Square Top Mountain in the distance provides for some stunning scenery along this section of trail.At approximately 3.3 miles you will reach the signed junction and the trail leading to Slide Lake. However, the bridge across Clear Creek is out there and the creek is impossible to ford there. Therefore, as one approaches the signed intersection they must scout out a spot along the fast moving creek where the creek can be fording safely. Use caution here and choose wisely. Watch children and pets while crossing and consider hiking poles.

Depending on where you crossed, begin to head in the direction of the creek pouring down from Slide Lake. To access the trail, one must make one more ford of the swift moving Slide Creek. After this final ford, the trail begins a steady climb of switchbacks with a favorable grade. Along the way you will see a spur trail leading to an up close view of the thundering Slide Creek Falls. Use caution while exploring the falls up close. The trail continues to climb steadily until reach a flat forested section that lasts briefly until you reach an open marshier area. The trail continues along the far edge of the marsh/meadow until entering the forest again. The trail then begins climbing again along Slide Creek. Look for the appropriately named Fish Bowl Spring as you hike along here. Fish Bowl Spring is a natural little pool of water that is fed by a crystal clear limestone spring. It provides an ideal home for several trout that can easily be viewed in the clear waters.

The trail ends at the far shore of Slide Lake near its outlet. The lake is a popular destination for anglers and backpackers. Enjoy a night or two along its shores, or return the way you came for a modest day hike.

2019-07-28 FOTG