On the afternoon of September 19, 2024, we headed to Washington Lake in the nearby Uinta Mountains for a late-season camping trip. We were fortunate to secure site 23, which was right on the lake. This weekend marked the last opportunity of the year to enjoy the campground before it closed for the season.
The first thing we noticed upon arrival was how low Washington Lake had become. Maintenance work on the dam and the surrounding area had significantly lowered the water level, transforming the lake’s appearance and limiting some of the activities we had planned. Unfortunately, the conditions made it impossible to launch our kayaks on the lake.
On one of our days, we decided to head over to nearby Trial Lake for fishing. The change of scenery proved to be a blessing in disguise. Trial Lake offered a serene and beautiful setting, and despite a sudden lightning storm, we managed to have a successful fishing outing. The mix of excitement from the storm and the satisfaction of catching fish made the experience one to remember.
On another afternoon, we hiked from our beautiful campsite to Tail Lake, which turned out to be a rewarding adventure. The lake’s pristine waters and surrounding beauty made the hike well worth it. While fishing, we caught several species, including brook trout, rainbow trout, and Arctic grayling. It was an exciting and fulfilling experience to enjoy the variety of fish in such a peaceful setting.
After a few days of crisp mountain air, peaceful moments by the lake, and exploring the surrounding area, we packed up and returned home on Sunday, September 22, 2024. This trip, though brief, was a perfect way to close out the camping season in one of our favorite mountain retreats.
| Nights | Total Nights | Miles | Total Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 277 | 136 | 26225 |