Angora Lakes

Saturday afternoon we met up with Shin, Heather, Heather's mom, Ellen, and a couple of dad's friends.  We decided to hike up to Angora Lakes.  J. has never been up there, and I hadn't been since high school.  In 2007 there was a massive fire that hit the area--3,100 acres burned, and many people lost their homes.  It was humbling to see the effects of the fire to this day.

A view of Fallen Leaf lake from the other side of Angora Ridge

Angora Lakes resort is privately owned, but they allow public beach access.  Dogs are not allowed in the water in the main lake, but they can swim in the lakes beyond the bridge.  When I was in high school we would go up to Angora and jump off the cliffs into the water--so even though it looks shallow, it does get quite deep.  Since the lakes are higher in elevation, and glacially made, the water is cold--even during the hot(ish) summer months.  It was a cool day, and we pretty much had the place to ourselves which was really nice, but none of us was brave enough to do more than wade in the water. 

Zuri wanted nothing to do with hiking, and she complained that she was cold the whole hike up, but her frowns flipped to smiles once she saw the water, and suddenly, she wasn't so cold anymore.  Warm enough to splash in the water a bit. 

Zuri pulling major attitude on the hike up

River wanting to walk by herself, no holding hands, thank you very much

I found some snow flowers blooming

The lower lake--this one is dog friendly, but much harder to get to--and no real beach

The main lake! 

The waterfall

Poor puppy wanted to play in the water so badly

Can you spot Shin on the rock?

I found more snow flowers on the return hike

Cabins on the lake.  I wouldn't mind waking up to that sight in the morning!