What a pristine kept area for hiking. They've done an amazing job keeping this lake as it was 100 years ago. I've been coming here since I was born. Back when I was a kid it was an extreme popular trout fishing lake. I suggest parking at the more secure lot near the ranger station. Always active and gives me a piece of mind. After being away traveling over the years I really wanted to take a gander at fragrance lake. I suggest taking the gravel road to the final trailhead if you're looking for a more moderate hike although I feel like it's a longer route. I prefer to take the interurban trail down to the original trailhead that not only leads you to an epic viewpoint to detour to, but also much more to look at amd embrace the...
Read moreA great hike but boy are we tired! 😵 This is def a moderate hike, with some steep portions, and rather good elevation gains! (1000+ft) The drive to here and the entire hike to the lake, and then the bay overlook on way back down, is 100% worth our aches and pains. Absolutely gorgeous. Do be aware there is a day fee, paid via honor system (no one on site to monitor or collect). Bring cash for that ($10 as of today). This is a dog hike, so Fido is gonna love it. Even saw someone carry their kayak down, because they enjoyed the lake even more. Glad we packed water and snacks. The hike up made us hungry. Even good for kids, many families along the way. See the All trails sets of the hike. Get...
Read moreFragrance Lake Trailhead offers a rewarding hike, but be prepared—it’s mostly uphill on the way in. Parking is limited, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot. The trail is rated moderate, though it may feel more challenging depending on your fitness level. Coming back down can be tough on the knees, so keep that in mind.
Along the way, you’ll find plenty of benches to rest and enjoy the forest setting. Once you reach the lake, it’s absolutely worth the effort—peaceful, scenic, and beautiful. You can also choose to walk the loop around the lake, which adds a bit more distance to your hike. Overall, plan for about two hours to complete the hike, and you’ll be glad you...
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