Schaefer Lake Hike

Schaefer Lake is beautiful and peaceful, but the hike to get there can’t claim the same. If you’re game for a bit of bushwhacking, standing water, and mosquito-evading, it’s a very enjoyable experience. Grab some huckleberries if you’re hiking in late summer.

Beginning from the road, head towards the creek. The crossing is neat, with a large spanning log jam helping you over. Enter the cedar grove and watch for slick, muddy spots. This is where the puddles and mosquitoes tend to be. Get through the grove and contend with the worst area of overgrowth, keeping an eye on your GPS track to make sure you stay on the trail. After this, you’ll begin to ascend and the trail clears out a bit. Work through the elevation gain to reach Schaefer, where you can relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

When you’re ready, you’ll follow the same route back to the trailhead.