The lake is about 2 miles from the trailhead, and the trail is fairly flat, with just a few little dips and climbs as it wends through the little valley carved by its outlet stream. Barclay Creek itself was actually dry when we did this hike. Here is Cedar and Luna looking each way for the water.
The beginning of the trail starts out in that thick conifer forest that can spring up after logging, where the trees are so thick and competitive that there is not enough light for undergrowth. Once through that you get into a much more natural feeling and beautiful forest. A nice mix of trees, including some nice big firs and hemlock, as well as a healthy jungle of northwest undergrowth - different ferns, mosses, huckleberry, and some devils club as well. The devils club has berries on, and some of the leaves are starting to turn their orangy autumn color. There are a lot of cool boulders along this trail, and a lot of trees that grew with their roots around boulders or nurse logs and now have interesting spaces underneath - it looked super fun for kids!
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| Not sure what this plant is |
Along the way there are peek-a-boo views of the towering rock faces that preside over the valley. I think they are Merchant, Gunn, and I believe the huge one in my lake photo is Baring Mountain.
We had this trail almost entirely to ourselves, passing two ladies on our way in as they were hiking out, and then just two parties on our way out! It was so peaceful and the sun shining through the trees and lighting the craggy peaks above made me really glad I chose this hike.
When we got to Barclay Lake we could see why the stream was dry - the lake is too low to reach its outlet right now. It is still lovely, with the sun sparkling on the water. There is a lot of beach so you can really walk around it, and a lot of logs to pick for nice lunch spots as well. The peaks tower up above you, and it seems so wild and peaceful that it is pretty amazing that it is just a few miles off the highway.
On our way back out, a baby mouse tumbled out of the little embankment on one side of the trail and landed directly in front of Cedar and Luna! Both of them were VERY interested in it, but I held them back to get this photo, and then I was going to scoop it up and try to get it near to where I thought it had come from. Poor little thing was all eyes and head with a tail, and seemed stunned. When I reached close, it scuttled off the path on the downhill side though - so I hope it found its way home.
Get out on this trail! If you have kids, take your time and let then climb and explore along the way. Find your inner child and climb a few boulders as well! : )
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