Difficulty
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Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
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Directions to Trailhead
Lake Isabel Trail
Table of contents
Lake Isabel Trail is a lightly trafficked out-and-back trail in Wild Sky Wilderness that is rated as hard. This hike is considerable in terms of distance and elevation gain, but a portion of the difficulty rating comes from the condition of the trail. This hike is overgrown, difficult to follow, steep, and scrambly. The perk? You’ll likely have Lake Isabel to yourself when you arrive. If you love the challenge of a wild trail, this one could be for you!
While leashed dogs are allowed on this trail, we don’t recommend bringing them due to the steep, rocky top of the hike.
Route Description for Lake Isabel Trail
Do downed trees, loose dirt, rocks, roots, and steep sections excite you? Lake Isabel Trail is for you! We definitely recommend keeping an eye on your GPS track closely on this hike, as getting off-trail is extremely easy. Watch for colored ribbons marking the way, but don’t rely on these markers to make it to the lake. The hike begins off Reiter Road, following a gravel logging road for the first mile or so. This section isn’t the most exciting, but it gives way to the forest soon enough. The trail wounds to the right and then loops to the left before straightening out again. Look for flagging tape, but also keep an eye on your GPS, because the trail is easy to lose and there are lots of spur trails that intersect before you begin to follow May Creek. There may be downed trees to navigate, and it’s often rocky, rooty, or muddy. With May Creek on your left, you’ll ascend in the valley between two ridges, crossing a stream once. There is a small campsite at the bottom of the falls, and we recommend turning back here if you don’t want to take on the most challenging section of the hike or if you have dogs with you. To reach the lake, prepare for a loose, rocky, steep climb to crest the lakeshore. There isn’t a well-defined trail that loops the lake, so rest up at the shore before turning around to navigate your way back, taking it slow on the steep descent from the lake. Keep the creek on your right until the trail curves away from it.Getting to the Lake Isabel Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for the Lake Isabel Trail is off Reiter Road off US 2.Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
Lake Isabel Campsite
When to do:
March-November
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Poor
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Out and back
Lake Isabel Trail Elevation Graph
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