Brown's Lake
Directions: Head west on Highway 14 about 30 miles until you reach Pingree Park Road. Take a left onto Pingree Park Road(63E) and drive for five miles. Take a right onto Forest Road 139 for another 12 miles, trailhead will be on the south side of the road. Brown's lake can also be reached by Beaver Creek Trail which is 5 miles southeast. This trail can be reached from County Road 145(Emmaline Lake), there are certain times of the year that they close a portion of Forest Road 139 and this is the only way to access the trail.
Description: Moderately difficult especially backpacking, there is a variety of terrain and many portions of the trail are rocky. It is 8.4 miles each way. There are multiple designated sites once you reach the lake and prior to the lake. The final accent is difficult and spans about a 1 1/2 Miles
Use: Dogs, Fishing, Camping, Backpacking, Hiking
Timberline Lake at Sunset
It all started one lazy afternoon...
I had been chomping at the bit to get out backpacking all summer long and my husband and I finally had a weekend free. Now just the decision on where to go on our next adventure. Over a cooling cup of Joe, I researched all our options and finally landed on Brown's Lake. Nestled within Roosevelt National Forest the scenery looked captivating and hike looked like a challenge. Right up my alley!
Turning onto Forest Road 139 it took us a full 8 miles before we ran directly into a closed gate. The road was closed and we were unable to go any further. When we spoke with the ranger he said that periodically they close that road without any warming. As such, we could head up to Forest Road 139 where the Tom Bennett campground is located. Going past the campground and Emmaline Lake trail to Beaver Creek Trail. From there we were able to connect with the Brown's Lake trail.
Brown's Lake with Ruger, our German Shorthaired Pointer
Heading through the pines we started our trip. It's beginning was deceivingly easy for the first 4-5 miles. We passed along Comanche Reservoir at which point the trail became a little more rocky and uphill. The views were stunning and given that it was the afternoon, we surprisingly enjoyed the glass coated reservoir with the sun glinting towards the horizon. The trail and the company were both perfect. The gentle breeze and calm drew our souls to peace and quiet, a feeling I always cherish in the wild.
“I have been a seeker & I still am, but I stopped asking the books & the stars. I started listening to the teaching of my soul.”
After 5 miles on the trail you begin an incline unlike any other on this trail. Calling this part of the trail loaded down with packs a challenge, would be an understatement. This part of the trail is also within the travel zone so no camping is allowed. It was a struggle for both my husband and I to make it to the top for the mountain, our dogs however seemed happy as could be.
The good news was that once you make it past the top, its not a far hike to the lake and its mostly downhill. We sauntered into camp about 7 PM and each eagerly grabbed a boxed wine. The actual campsites come out of the blue of the treeline and immediately surprises you by opening up to Brown's Lake and Timberline Lake. While the sites are designated, many of them were not taken. We chose the site next to Timberline Lake, it was incredibility calm and we were ready to put down our packs and start a fire.
Camping on the edge of Timberline Lake
The lakes are directly next to each other, the next morning we spent time exploring and fishing. It was Colorado at it's finest. The mountain trout might not be huge but they are still fun to catch. My husband(with the help of our German Shorthaired Pointer!) caught and released 7 or 8 throughout the course of the day. The weather was perfect the entire trip and we all savored the break from our climb the previous day. By afternoon we decided it was time to pack up and head out. It was a quick trip but worth every minute as well as the 2+ hour drive.
Mountain Trout from Browns Lake
To the dismay of our sore muscles we climbed back over the peak and headed for our car. Several hours later, with muscles humming we reached our destination. No less worse for the wear, regardless of what our tired bodies said. It was a trip I would do again any day, it was an outstanding trip for the weekend and we clang on to every minute. The rivers, the mountains and the streams will always feel like home...
