Keyser Brown Lake Trail

Keyser Brown Lake Trail is a 13.2-mile out-and-back from Lake Fork Trailhead 2 to Keyser Brown Lake, following Lake Fork Trail #2 before taking the #2D spur. Allow about 7 to 8 hours. The approach is mostly a rolling, gentle climb beside the creek, but the distance, roughly 1,500 feet of net rise to the lake, and high elevation make it a hard full-day outing. Published totals range from 12 to 14 miles; this version uses six miles to the junction and a 0.6-mile spur each way. For a shorter day on the same route, Broadwater is a natural turnaround at 3.75 miles in, about 7.5 miles round trip.

Cross the bridge at Lake Fork Trailhead and follow Lake Fork Trail #2. Around mile five, pass the Lost Lake #2B turnoff and stay on #2. At six miles, take the signed Keyser Brown #2D spur rather than continuing toward Sundance Pass. The spur runs another 0.6 mile to the lake. You return the same way, so plan for the full walk back.

Lake Fork of Rock Creek stays close for much of the first five miles. Silver Falls comes into view from the route about a mile in. Around mile 3.75, Broadwater Lake is a slow, widened stretch of the creek with boulders along the shore, a good place to pause before the last miles. The route passes the Lost Lake junction around mile five; don't take the #2B side trail if Keyser Brown is your goal.

The lake sits at roughly 8,700 feet beneath surrounding peaks and forested slopes. The elevation profile shows about 1,500 feet of net rise from the trailhead, though published gain figures disagree and this is not a measure of every climb along the way. The length and altitude are the main challenge; most of the approach is not steep. At the shore, frame the water low in a phone photo with the peaks behind it to show the setting.

Lake Fork Trailhead 2 is 1.9 miles west of US 212 on Lake Fork Road (Forest Road 2346). The lot has ample parking, room for horse trailers, and a vault toilet. Carry drinking water or treat water from the creek before drinking. This is wilderness and bear country: keep bear spray within reach and follow food-storage rules. Dogs are permitted; keep them under control and pack out pet waste.