Duck Lakes

We headed to Northern California to hike up to the Duck Lakes despite a weather forecast of snow and colder temperatures. When we got to the trailhead, the sun was out and the sky was clearing nicely. So up we went.

This is an almost always up the hill type hike with little relief until you get to the top. The trail was in good shape with only a few trees blocking the pathway. After 30 minutes, most of us needed to take off a layer because it seemed warmer than planned. However, as we continued up, the temperature dropped from around 50 degrees at the beginning to the high 30’s, forcing another wardrobe change.

Lunch was taken at Upper (Little) Duck Lake which was spectacular but cold. In the middle of lunch we actually had a short snow storm roll by, so we ended up taking a “Hank” lunch (i.e., short). We stopped by Lower (Big) Duck Lake for a short visit and then back to the cars. We were the only group hiking this trail today.

On the way down we had views of Mt. Eddie and Mt. Shasta. We had an occasional short hit of very light rain, but I don’t think anyone actually stopped to put on their rain shell. As we drove home, the mountains seemed shrouded in dark clouds, so we were glad to be in our warm, dry cars.

Overall it turned out to be a great hike and this continues to be one of my favorite hikes.

Hike Leader: Keeley

Photos By: Barry, Keeley