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| Run/Jog | 15.60 Miles |
3,245 AEG |
| | Run/Jog | 15.60 Miles | 5 Hrs 26 Mns 42 Secs | | 2.96 mph |
| 3,245 ft AEG | 10 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Decided that instead of doing a summit it would be more pleasant to go to some alpine lakes, so I headed up to the Willowbrook TH with the goal of going to the Upper Willow Lakes, and possibly adding on a few extra miles at the end if I felt good. Saw a moose chomping on a tree about a quarter mile from the TH, and at the TH there was a sign warning that there could be moose in the area. So that added an extra bit of excitement.
Started out on Ditch Trail, which climbs steeply the first mile (~600 feet). After that, it's pretty mellow as it parallels the North Fork of Willow Creek (although it's only near the creek where it hits Gore Trail). A couple miles of this stretch of trail is through a moderately burned area with lots of deadfall, but the trail has been well maintained, with no logs across the trail.
At around mile 3, where you leave Gore Trail and head SW on the North Willow trail, the grade steepens again, before finally leveling out at around 4 miles in. From here, I was actually able to do a decent amount of running, and the scenery gets way more interesting as the trail contours back towards the creek, with some nice views along the way.
There were maybe 4-5 alpine lakes along the last mile of trail, a couple groups of campers, and a few picturesque views. Got to the uppermost lake in about 2 hours (~6.5 miles). Definitely worth the trip.
On the way down, did a little more jogging, with a detour up to Salmon Lake. This lake was more notable for its size, but wasn't as picturesque as a couple of the others.
Jogged much of the way down, and felt good enough to stay on Gore Trail for a couple more miles until its junction with Mesa Cortina trail. Followed that for a short distance to the pleasant Willowbrook trail, which I took back to the trailhead. |
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