Chester Lake

Chester Lake is a small alpine lake in the high valley below Mount Chester, reached by a 4.6 km trail from Chester Lake Day Use Area. That is 9.2 km return with 300 m of climbing. Go for the mountain-framed meadow and shoreline, not a quick roadside view: the forest climb comes first.

The approach climbs through forest before easing into an open alpine meadow. Mount Chester’s steep rock wall rises beyond the lake, and the shift from trees to open basin is the payoff on the way in.

A path follows the lake’s edge for changing views and crosses Chester Creek on a small log bridge. Keep going beyond the lake only if you want to add Elephant Rocks, a separate boulder formation farther along the route. The shore makes a natural lunch stop if you have carried food up.

A small group of larches grows by the lake, with larger stands farther along toward Elephant Rocks. In a typical year they turn gold in late September or early October, though the timing shifts with the season.

The day-use area is the trailhead, but there is no food service there, so bring what you want for a break at the water.

The trail closes every year from May 1 through June 29 so the ground can dry and avoid damage. The route is also used for skiing in winter; check current conditions before setting out.