Steamboat Pilot & Today

A waterfall dumps into a pool along the route to Mica Lake. Photo by Joel Reichenberger

The trail is mostly a steady climb, but there’s plenty along the way to keep hikers going. The trail clings to creeks at several points. Photo by Joel Reichenberger

Mica Lake stands nearly 2,000 feet above the trailhead, and it’s not an easy hike. Despite the ravages of beetles, blowdowns and fires, the view still is stunning. Photo by Joel Reichenberger

A bald eagle swings wide over Mica Lake looking for prey. Photo by Joel Reichenberger

Trees are reflected in Mica Lake. Photo by Joel Reichenberger

Water flows down into Mica Lake. Photo by Joel Reichenberger

Water pours into Mica Lake from a handful of streams, rolling down from nearby mountains. Photo by Joel Reichenberger

Dead trees litter the landscape in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area. Photo by Joel Reichenberger

Boulders and rocks litter the trail on the way to Mica Lake. Photo by Joel Reichenberger

The craggy peaks of the Sawtooth Range stand high in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area. Photo by Joel Reichenberger

Flowers dot the sides of the trail on the way to Mica Lake. Photo by Joel Reichenberger

Flowers grow up out of a burned-out tree along the hike to Mica Lake. Photo by Joel Reichenberger

Beautiful Mica Lake on Saturday afternoon. Submitted by: Maryedith Davies