This is a beautiful hike, about a 10 mile round trip, in the high mountains of Logan Canyon/Franklin Basin. It starts out going through aspen and evergreen trees, climbing moderately.
It then opens up and levels out into meadows along a lovely stream.
There are showy wild flowers along the way.
The trail and lake is named for the old steam mill that is still there, along the trail.
A mile or so after the steam mill one comes to a small mountain lake which was our destination.
There are plenty of rocks and shade to sit and rest, eat lunch and take in the view.
This year was very dry as evidenced by the dry pond that you come upon just before you arrive at the lake (or just as you are leaving the lake.) The following 2 pictures show the pond this year and last year, which was a much wetter year.
It is a fun hike with lots of beautiful scenery. As an added bonus there is a legend of buried treasure near the lake. If you find the treasure, please share with the Likin' Hikin' Ladies.
If you come from Logan, you drive up Logan Canyon along hwy 89 for more than 20 miles until you come to Franklin Basin road. This is a dirt road on the left. Soon after you turn you'll drive past a parking area and then a bridge. Right after the bridge there is a small road on the left. Take it and then take one of the forks to the right. This is a very bumpy, rocky road so if you're in a car drive cautiously. Toward the mountain you'll see an open area, near a stream where people often camp. You'll see several large boulders along a parking area and a sign.
This is where you start the hike. There is a new bridge over the stream at the beginning of the hike. The trail is well traveled and easy to follow. It's a popular horse trail. The only place where you may question which way to go is when you reach the steam mill. There is a fork there. Take the right fork, along the stream, which leads to the lake.
Have fun! We did.
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