Tramp & Trail

Write-up: Barb Thomas
Leader: Barb Thomas
Co-Leader: Louie Casatelli

It was a beautiful sunny day when we met at Mapledale. We drove to Alder Creek convenience store for a short stop. We continued on Rt. 28 to McKeever Rd., making a right turn before Moose River bridge crossings, following a sign for McKeever. Driving past the old railroad station, we proceeded over the railroad tracks to the first parking area, where the sign-in register is located.
There were nineteen Tramps in the group ready to do this hike. We parked and prepared for the outing.
We walked up the old road 0.7 mile to the sign for Bear Lake. (Right turn)

The trail was well marked, and had a few wet spots. We continued along this beautiful old trail with many wild flowers, some already past bloom.

There was a long downhill to a view of the lake. As we approached the lake – it was decided to have our lunch at this first clearing. It is a beautiful lake surrounded by the forest. A couple of men were fishing on the left of the lake.

After lunch and picture taking, we walked the trail toward the lean-to. This beautiful new lean-to is located away from the water. It was occupied.We continued on the trail to a sign explaining distances etc. We decided not to continue and returned on the old railroad path. This path was on the Tramp and Trail schedule for a Monday bike.

We returned on the same trail we came to the lake on. We met people coming along the trail. We returned to the old road and decided to hike the short distance down to the old railroad trail. Then we walked this trail back to our cars.
It was a beautiful day to enjoy a hike in this historic area. The beauty and solitude remains in this beautiful woodland forest.

Write-up: Richard Miller

The day was cool, great for hiking. The trail was in good shape. When previewed, there had been a great deal of rain and some of the watercourses were difficult to cross. Fortunately, the rain had abated in the days preceding the hike so this was not a problem. Then stopped at Kratzy’s for a quick beer.

The only annoyance on the hike was the presence of a closed lane on the Mckeever bridge. Traffic backed up to the center of Otter Lake on the trip to the Lake and a mile on a half on our return from it, fortunately, on the return, traffic let us through the line so we could return home.