There are several trailheads near Moraine Park Campground, the largest camping area in Rocky Mountain National Park (273 sites), and the most popular hiking destination is probably Fern Lake, reached by a moderate, 3.7 mile hike, all through wooded terrain but with a few points of interest along the way including a rockslide, waterfall and several deep pools. The hike was strenuous (10.5 miles) but well worth the effort for the opportunity to catch and release beautiful greenback cutthroat trout in these lakes. The park offers countless opportunities on both the west and east sides. The Pool via Fern Lake Trailhead. Loomis Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park Date hiked: 07/05/2020 Hiked from: Fern Lake Trailhead Distance hiked: 10 Miles RT Total elevation gain: 2,500 ft Maintained trail: No – Trail is maintained and marked until Spruce Lake. No other permit is necessary; however, special regulations exist. The trail system in the Bear Lake area has reopened. How I love you. The trail follows the Big Thompson River offering great views of Fern Falls, Notchtop Mountain and the Little Matterhorn from Fern Lake's north side. Very beautiful, you will pass The Pool, Fern Falls and on to Fern Lake. Fern Lake is a popular day hike destination, don't be surprised to see close to a few hundred day hikers or more come to the lake in any single summer day. A: Fern Lake: There is one individual site located 1.6 miles from the Fern Lake Trailhead in a mixed pine and aspen forest. There is one group site and four individual sites located 3.95 miles and 4.15 miles from the Fern Lake Trailhead, respectively. It's your responsibility to know and obey them. Bears are occasionally seen in the Fern Lake area. Comments. Populations of at least four species of trout exist in the park streams and lakes including brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. Angler’s Guide to Shore Fishing Southwest Florida: Longboat Key to Boca Grande, Angler’s Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park, Angler’s Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park – Second Edition, Angler’s Guide to Kayak Fishing Southwest Florida: Sarasota Bay to Pine Island, Angler's Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park, Angler's Guide to Shore Fishing Southwest Florida - Longboat Key to Boca Grande, Angler’s Guide to Kayak Fishing Southwest Florida - Sarasota Bay to Pine Island. Fern Lake Fire at RMNP: 5 years later A fire at such high elevation, so late in the year, was unprecedented in the history of Rocky Mountain National Park. Fern Lake is an ideal layover for lengthier treks to Spruce Lake, Loomis Lake, Odessa Lake and Lake Helene. There are two designated sites located 4.85 miles from the Fern Lake Trailhead in a spruce-fir stand east of Odessa Lake on the north side of its outlet stream. Fern Falls drops down beside the trail at a switch back. Fern Lake Trailhead | 9.2 Miles | 1,890 Feet Elevation Gain This route is preferred if hikers also want to experience Fern Lake, want to do some fishing along the Big Thompson, or want to view some of the other nearby lakes, like Spruce Lake. Many good fishing spots can be found on this mild, leafy stretch. Hike along the right bank of Spruce and follow the lightly trafficked trail to the unnamed pond. This also marks the spot where Fern Creek meets the Big Thompson River. ", "Just an FYI, the road to the Fern Lake TH is closed to vehicle traffic due to construction in the area. Fern Lake is a water feature in Sonoma County and has an elevation of 584 feet. Turn left on Fern Lake Road, go 1.5 miles, stay on Fern Lake Road and turn right, go .7 miles to the campground. Experienced and fit hikers may push even further up the drainage to its headwater at Loomis Lake, located in a secluded cirque beneath Gabletop Mountain. There is more ice forming in the shady areas but there is quite a bit of open water from the warm weather this week. The Loch, secluded by alpine rock towers, is sheltered by the wind, making it perfect for calm water fishing where greenback cutthroat and brook trout are plentiful. Big Thompson River Below Lake Estes: The Big T is still fishing good right now in the upper canyon. Stayed warm, no bears, 2 mule deer, hiked out in am...took 1.5hours. After the 3.9 mile hike to Fern Lake, the.9 mile spur trail to Spruce Lake is moderate, with a few steep and rocky segments. Hike 3.8 miles, gaining 1,348 feet, up Fern Lake Trail to the campsites. We parked a 21ft Adventure Machine at the first big parking area and walked the rest of the distance to the Fern Lake TH.It took us 3.5hrs on the way up, including many breath and view breaks, the trail gets real rocky and steep just before Fern Falls and maintains it the rest of the way up to the lake. Fishing activities are balanced with efforts to restore and perpetuate natural aquatic environments and life. The long, steep, rocky down hill hike out to the trailhead was tough on the feet and knees. The Flattop Trail is open to the summit of Flattop Mountain but is closed past this point to … Fern Lake is highly sought for its large trout stock and numerous backcountry campsites - expect crowds on this busy corridor during peak summer months. At 1.7 miles you'll reach the Cub Lake Trail junction. Cross […] Fern Lake Fire at RMNP: 5 years later A fire at such high elevation, so late in the year, was unprecedented in the history of Rocky Mountain National Park. Fern Lake Fire at RMNP: 5 years later A fire at such high elevation, so late in the year, was unprecedented in the history of Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s also accessed from Bear Lake Trailhead at the end of The eastern shore seems to garner the most fishing traffic, although all shore lines fish equally well. Hiked around lake to the west, then back up the east side, which shows heavy signs of use, but you'll see why when you get past the big rock slide. The greenbacks in Fern were smaller than the ones in Odessa. The fly and bubble fished far out into the lake and rigged with a parachute Adams, got a strike and a fish on almost every cast. Author: Will Swope The trail system in the Bear Lake area has reopened. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. RMNP Hiking Guide: Bear Lake to Fern Lake Trailhead Part 1 Oh Rocky Mountain National Park. Due to the dynamic nature of fisheries management, fishing regulations can change at anytime. Those seeking a more adventrous hike can follow the unimproved trail to Spruce Lake, where you'll find a comparable aesthetic with a fraction of the crowds. Your email address will not be published. Any and all fish species taken must be immediately returned to the water unharmed. Author: Will Swope Fern Falls drops down beside the trail at a switch back. Cross the outlet bridge to small grassy areas on the east shore, or follow social trails to secluded nooks and the tumbling inlet on the west shore. Current conditions, fishing reports, maps, water levels, boating, camping, articles, blogs, and photos. Children 12 years of age or under, however, may use worms or preserved fish eggs in all park waters open to fishing except those designated as catch-and release areas. Spruce Lake - RMNP - fishing in Estes Park, Colorado. The Fern Lake Trail rolls gently beside the Big Thompson River through aspen and mixed pine to The Pool - Cub Lake - Fern Lake Trail junction (1.8 miles : 8,365'). August 1 of 2020 found us at Odessa Lake and Fern Lake on our big hike during our Colorado Trip. Water is available year-round from Fern Lake, its. A quick look at what Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer. Trip Reports +1,338' net elevation gain (+1,481' total roundtrip elevation gain), "Hiked up to Fern Lake with my wife for an overnighter. Fern Lake is situated west of Eldridge. It’s also accessed from Bear Lake Trailhead at the end of The Flattop Trail is open to the summit of Flattop Mountain but is closed past this point to … Trails that remain closed include the Fern Lake Trail, Cub Lake Trail, the Mill Creek Basin, Hollowell Park, and Bierstadt Trail.