Hester Lake Trail

Hester Lake Tail got a bit of a facelift recently, and it’s far less overgrown than it once was. Make use of this to enjoy a scenic, lightly trafficked trek to a pretty alpine lake.

The hike begins at the Dutch Miller Gap Trailhead. Take the trail behind the pit toilets as it roughly follows Dingford Creek. You’ll cross over at Pumpkinseed Creek Falls. There is another creek crossing shortly after, and do be advised that the crossing can be impassable in the early spring. In summer, you shouldn’t have an issue.

After crossing the creek, three more crossings follow afterwards. Stay straight at the junction with a trail up to Horseshoe Lake, and then right at the junction with Dingford Creek Trail. Several more creek crossings later, you’ll head up a couple of short switchbacks turns to Hester Lake, perched up above.

After enjoying the lake, you’ll return on the same trail you came in on.