Hike to Cub Lake - Fern Falls (RMNP)

It was a wonderful day to be in the mountains.  Partly cloudy skies, a light breeze, and moderately challenging terrain, all of it to be enjoyed.

After a quick pit stop at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, and a brief wait in a line of park visitors at the entrance station, we arrived at Cub Lake TH (8,000' el.) about 10:00 a.m.  From here, the spur trail leads .5 mi. across Moraine Park, crossing two bridges, on the way to a junction with Cub Lake Trail. This well worn path is loaded with exposed and loose rock plus some wet areas.

A fly-fisherman on Big Thompson River.

The mini roller coaster-type path provides hikers a close experience with the parks' Montane eco-system (consisting of pine forests and mountain meadows), one of three eco-systems in the park.  The other two are Subalpine (between 9,000 and 11,400 ' el.) and Alpine (above treeline).

High Country Hikers on Cub Lake Trail.

The area is dotted with beaver ponds, and bog-type areas caused by massive amounts of runoff from higher elevation.  The Cub Lake fire devastated over 3,500 acres of timber (the largest in RMNP history) here in October, 2012.  That devastation is still evident, although there are signs that vegetation is slowly returning.

Penny, amid the devestation of the Cub Lake fire.

A number of places throughout Moraine Park provide an excellent view of snow-capped peaks in the park.  You might see the images in outdoor magazines.  Among them are Mount Ida (12,880'), Stones Peak (12,992'), and Hallett Peak (12,713').

Elevation begins to increase on Cub Lake trail as trail gains over 400' in the 1.5 mi. to the lake.  The fire extinguished everything natural and man-made in the area, including a bridge constructed over a fast moving spring runoff.  Hikers must choose to walk into the moving water and out the other side or take the challenge of completing the thirty foot span by stradling a 6" wide I beam.  All that remains on the slopes around the lake are the charred toothpick-like remains of a once thriving subalpine ecosystem.

On trail above Cub Lake.

Trailbed in the area is mostly a fine black powder that produces mini dust clouds with each footstep.  Evidence of the intense heat generated by the fire can be seen just off trail.  Sharp slithers of house size granite boulders are strewn on the ground, reminding us of the power of a raging fire.  It is a landscape nobody wants to see especially in a national park.

As we moved through the area, the overwhelming smell of charred timber could not be denied.  These are the images and smells resulting from one of mother natures enemies...the forest fire.

Standing on trail, far above the lake, it is difficult to visualize the same landscape in a state of unbelievable beauty.

Trail soon reaches its high point as we arrive at the junction with Mill Creek Trail.  From here, we descend over 480' into Spruce Canyon, to a popular rest spot for hikers and backpackers alike.  It is called The Pool, where runoff from four mountain lakes, including Spruce, Hourglass, Rainbow, and Fern, all combine with Big Thompson River, before continuing down slope into Moraine Park.

Looking up Forest Canyon on the Big Thompson.

Some members of the group continued another .8 mi. to Fern Falls for lunch.  Others remained at the Pool.  Moments after we arrived, a number of Golden-mantled Ground squirrels, and a Stellar's Jay made their pitch for a handout. 

As expected, this loop was popular with tourists.  License plates from around the country were noticed in the parking lot.  Pre-schoolers on their first outdoor adventure to newly-weds, to seniors out for a day of backcountry fun, passed each other on trail.

The final leg of this clockwise loop, was on the Fern Lake Trail.  Parts of trail are wet from runoff of springs originating in Windy Gulch and slopes of Beaver Mountain.  Trail follows Big Thompson 1.7 mi. to the TH.  Plans were to ride the park shuttle bus back to the van.  With no shuttle in sight, we continued on the access road, meeting the shuttle on the way.

HCH members, front row (L to R): Kathy and John Tedrick, Debby Dunbar, Linda and Robert Saiz, Luisa Sandoval, Gary (G2) Alleman, and Penny Geise.  Back Row (L to R): Raheal Kneebone, Ed Blum, Al Akell, Judy Shaw, Gary (G1) Merical, and Jonelle Bidwell.

The day ended with a stop at Colorado Cherry Company, south of Estes Park.  Scoops of ice cream are large, and the pies are to die for.

Total distance = 7.1 mi.

Total Elevation = 852' 
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