On a hot summer day we chose to leave the smoky valley and hike in the higher terrain above Lac le Jeune.    Starting at the beach by the lake, we hiked to the Stake Lake Trail system, then on a series of single tracks to the top of the ridge on the northeast end of the lake.  

The Lookout is a viewpoint on the cross country trails that can be accessed on skis, snowshoes, bikes, or on foot.   It offers a wide perspective south and west.  

Below was the east end of the lake and a marsh area.    With a little walking along the ridge we could also spot Fred Lake and Ross Moore Lake in the distance. 

We selected a snowshoe trail (the Vista Trail) down through the forest.  

From the Rustler Trail we chose cross country trails (Rustler and Drifter) back to Lac le Jeune.   We passed by a small marsh near the trail where I have spotted moose in the past.  

There were many wildflowers and pollinators on the trails, like this Western White Admiral butterfly. 

There are many possible routes up to  and down from the Lookout.   We tend to take a different route each year.  Our hike was 8.87 km taking about 2.5 hours.  

We will do a similar hike next summer, taking an alternate route next time.   More information on these routes – link.