Happy Lake Ridge Trail, lower timber & salal
Happy Lake Ridge Trail is part of a complete loop-route, 17 miles long. It’s a 3,000′ climb from the Happy Lake Ridge Trailhead, topping out in about 3 miles, and then a subalpine walk along a very broad & mild, semi-open ridge-system; almost rolling plateau-like. There is standard camping at Happy Lake, which someone once called wet and buggy (weather-related?), but is set in a fine geology-exhibit & invitation to explore. The trail makes a tee with the Aurora Divide Trail at about 7.5 miles, and then reaches its end at Boulder Lake, at 9.5 miles. Then it’s downhill for the rest of the loop (partly on the low-key, antique road).