I have been to the south slope of the Uintas a few times, but it remains rather a new area for me as mostly I have been visiting the north slope and the areas off of HWY 150. Toquer Lake is one lake that we have wanted hit, because no one goes there and it is on the bucket list. We arrived in the Center Park area just after dark and car camped the first night out there. It was a nice spot, but a bit chilly with the wind. After a couple of beverages, we all hit the tents for some nice sleep. Morning woke to some breakfast burritos and packing it up to the trail head. This is a wild area, just how I like it. We started in on the Fish Creek National Recreation Trail, which crosses a meadow, then descends a rather steep section of switchbacks. We then crossed a creek, then made the slow gradual climb in this drainage. It is a beautiful walk in the woods, and you can tell that this trail is not overly used.
We passed meadow after meadow, then crossed the stream for the second time, and after a bit of uphill travel we were standing at the outlet of Toquer Lake. This basin is beautiful! Wildflowers everywhere. We found a spot and set up camp. Shortly after we were hit by a heavy hail storm, which I just stood under a set of trees and watched it paint our camp white! I did not want to pull my DSLR out of my tent in the storm, it was just far too soggy. After a while of waiting it out, we finally got a break in the action, and we headed out with the fly rods to give it a shot. Second cast and I had a nice one on! They were very nice brookies, and contrary to the book saying the fishing was no good here, we had hot action fishing this lake. Everyone caught fish, and we kept a couple for dinner. Dusk set in as we made our way back to camp, we got a fire going, and settled in for the evening.
I stayed up after Chris and Colin went to bed, and I watched the moon come up over the trees, and make it almost like daylight out. It was cool to see this place lit up at night. I awoke to crystal clear skies, and nice temps. We all had breakfast and coffee, then we decided to give fishing another shot after packing it up. I did not fair as well as the previous evening, but Colin and Chris did fine and actually landed some very nice fish. We packed it up and headed out around noon. The hike out was nice temps, and sun in and out of the clouds. As we reached the final stream crossing, we heard the loud crack of thunder, and the dark clouds were heading right for us. We made haste up the switchbacks, and the storm was just upon us when we reached the final meadow before the car. As we were getting settled at the car, a huge bolt of lighting came down about a quarter mile from us, and the boom was intense. This was a great trip, fishing was hot, and the place shelters well when there is a storm. I am taking the week off as to spend some time with my family and attend a wedding. Enjoy the pics, more adventures to come soon!
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