Bluebird Lake
August 4, 1998
Depart Trailhead 8:30AM
Return to Car 6:50PM
Distance about 13.6 miles roundtrip
It was raining lightly when we woke up, yet it soon stopped and we
ventured outside. The sky was completely overcast, and there were small clouds
and fog around even the lowest elevations. Not the ideal weather for a hike to
Bluebird Lake, but we were determined to try. At the Wild Basin entrance
station the ranger told us the forecast was for intermittent rain. Arriving at
the trailhead, it wasn't raining, and we began to hike. The trail began in a
forest of aspen, with a variety of beautiful wildflowers blanketing the
ground. The drizzle overnight had left everything wet and vibrant, and even
with gray skies the view was great. We found Copeland Falls to be full with
the sound of water cascading over the boulders adding to the drama.
Continuing on, we came to an area of exposed rock slab, where we got our
first good glimpse of part of the 1978 ouzel fire. We arrived at a log bridge
crossing the St. Vrain River. Across the bridge, the trail steepened, but soon
leveled at a bend in the trail, about .2 miles from Calypso Cascades. At this
spot, there is a boulder to the right that makes for a wonderful view of Cony
Creek joining the St. Vrain. Calypso Cascades was a good spot to take a short
break and enjoy the beauty of this area. The cascades themselves were
spectacular in their own way, not necessarily the most dramatic, yet still
worthwhile.
Shortly after Calypso, we entered the burn area of the ouzel forest fire
(named for Ouzel Lake where it started from lightning). This area was the most
beautiful part of the hike so far. The new growth and wildflowers intermixed
with the charred trunks of old trees in a dazzling display of beauty.
Presently, we arrived at Ouzel Falls, the most spectacular waterfall yet. The
sound of the water crashing and tumbling over the massive boulders was truly
amazing. (Use caution when climbing around the falls, as the spray makes the
surrounding rocks slippery). It soon began to rain and we decided to continue
on, sad to leave, but excited about arriving at Bluebird.
After Ouzel Falls the trail meanders through more of the Ouzel fire area.
You can see burn scars on the large boulders and rock walls along the left
side of the trail. After the trail forked (right to Thunder Lake, left to
Bluebird), the trail climbed steeply to the top of a ridge, where it leveled
out. Now we were in the most beautiful section by far. In addition to the
wildflowers and the old and new growth, spectacular mountain panoramas opened
up in all directions. To the left we could even see Ouzel Creek on its way to
Ouzel Falls. The rain let up just as we reached a small stand of trees and on
the other side we were presented with a spectacular view towards Ouzel Peak.
There were some clouds hanging around the top of the peaks, adding power and
beauty to the scene.
We soon came to the Ouzel Lake spur and hiked the half mile to the lake.
The views were not that spectacular because of the heavy cloud cover, however
was still pretty and worth the extra effort. The clouds did part for a moment
and offered a great view of Ouzel Peak reflecting in the lake. Many mosquitoes
were there, and it once again began to drizzle, so we headed back to the
Ouzel/Bluebird Lake junction after 15 minutes or so.
Back at the junction, the rain stopped and we continued on. Moderately
ascending, the trail became overgrown with a variety of shrubs, plants, and
grasses from knee to waist high. Because of all the recent rain, the wet
foliage deposited plenty of water on our pants as we brushed against them. The
trail began to climb steeply now, no longer overgrown. We stopped just over .5
miles from the lake and watched as fog rolled in from all directions,
surrounding us. As the fog enveloped us we were hit with a blast of moist cool
air. The rain also stopped again at about the same time. The trail becomes
fairly open and very rocky through the last stretch. We could see some
spectacular waterfalls cascading down the surrounding mountains. Just before
reaching Bluebird, we came to a snowfield. Unfortunately, there was no way
around it, so we were forced to ascend it. A few steps beyond this, we were
finally there, about 40 feet above the lake.
At that time, we couldn't see the other side of the lake due to the fog,
yet it was overwhelming to be there. It soon cleared a tiny bit, however, and
the view was amazing. This made the whole hike worth it, even when at least
half was in the rain.
We resolved then that we would definitely do this hike again when it was a
clear day. After 20 minutes, we reluctantly left the lake in another rain.
The first part of the trail back was rather treacherous, trying to make
our way down the rocky trail with wet and muddy shoes. We hiked along the
route we had come, with all the views being just as spectacular as the first
time. By the time we had again reached the ridge, we were beginning to wonder
if we were hiking in a stream. It was still raining and the trail was
completely flooded. It was impossible to walk without stepping in water with
each step. We reached the trailhead in rain, satisfied with the day's hike.
All in all an awesome hike and very rewarding. (it was still raining when we
went to sleep at camp that night). We consider this hike an absolute must to
repeat in good weather.
Bob and Peter Hoffman
Leesburg, Virginia