Waters Gulch Loop Trail

This route makes for a wonderful day of hiking. This shared route attracts outdoor enthusiasts of all preferences, skill levels, and ages, so you will likely encounter traffic along the way. This epic excursion explores the mixed-coniferous forests, charming streams, and the impressive shoreline of the lake. Note part of this route wanders along the shoulder of a road, so be mindful of passers-by! Additionally, there is often blow-down along the trail, so you may have to take some creative detours—but the scenery is well worth it.

Setting out from the trailhead, this route can be completed in either direction, but we chose to venture counterclockwise. Heading west, you will gradually descend through the forestlands to the shoreline of a charming cove—marvel in the scene of the glittering water and intriguing layered banks that bound the waters. You will eventually reach a point that boasts an awesome overlook of the lake and surrounding foothills.

From here, the path will reroute hikers east, away from the lake, heading inland. When you ultimately reach Parkers Bay Road, turn left and meander along the shoulder of the road back to the trailhead.