In dry conditions, the Outer Inks Lakes trails area likely to have motorcycles, quads, and 4×4’s.   Once it turns cool, there may be hunters.   But once the snows start to fall, the forested trails provide many opportunities for hiking and snowshoeing.   On a cold and sunny December day, we chose the Dam Lake Loop.

Most of the route is a walk/hike along double tracks up the hill.   We always try to include one of the lakes in any loop we choose and Dam Lake is the closest lake and on a clear day it is usually a sunny spot..

The lake has a dam on the east side.   It acts as a reservoir for wildlife in the area and it is often drawn down in late summer to provide water for the fields and cattle on the ranch below.   On this day, the lake was down about 3 feet, frozen over with a layer of snow on top.

When the lake was raised, shoreline trees were flooded and bleached stumps line the shore in low water.

The shores of Dam Lake make a fine spot for lunch before hiking down the forested tracks to the starting point.   Although we enjoy the Dam Lake Loop, we will return this winter to snowshoe a different route on the Outer Inks Lakes trails.