Azalea Lake – Ashland Hiking Group

This was the first Monday hike to Azalea Lake. The weather was perfect and we had no trouble finding the trailhead after an earlier scouting trip. We had a good group of thirteen.

After a long walk we gained the trail over a crest and around Buck Peak. There had been a huge forest fire and you could still smell the smoke. We gained the saddle and were greeted by a lovely breeze. Azalea Lake was there below us and we spread out over the rocky hill for lunch.

We made good time on the way back and most of us headed for Boomtown in Jacksonville. It was a long day between the drive and a 9 mile plus hike with 1000 plus ascent. Everyone enjoyed the hike and it will be an annual event.

Hike Leader: Unknown

Photos By: Rich