IN SEARCH OF SOLITUDE - THE NORTH INLET TRAIL

Hike dates: July 6-8, 2007 Trailhead: North Inlet, elevation 8,500 feet; Highest elevation on the hike: 11,060 feet Total trip distance: About 23 miles. Weather/trail conditions: Partly to mostly cloudy all three days with some rain. All trails snow-free. Route:

DAY 1 - Hiked from North Inlet Trailhead to Cascade Falls backcountry campsite. DAY 2 - Hiked from the campsite to Lake Nokoni and Lake Nanita via trail. After returning to Lake Nokoni, continued down the trail about 0.5 miles to an unmaintained path toward Lake Solitude. Reached Lake Solitude, then returned to the main trail and out to the Cascade Falls campsite. DAY 3 - Hiked from the Cascade Falls campsite to the trailhead.

I felt a great anticipation as I prepared to set foot on to the North Inlet trail system on this hot July afternoon. Lakes Nanita and Nokoni were out there; the last two trail-accessed lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park that I had not yet visited. I had saved this trail for last, because its long approach made a day hike impractical. So, with camping gear secured safely on my back, I started my hike. DAY 1 The afternoon sunshine was hot by RMNP standards, especially in the open terrain of the early part of the trail. Following a road through meadows, the level terrain was pleasant. I soon arrived at the Summerland Park campsites, with some nice views along the lazy, winding North Inlet Creek. Pine beetle devastation was very obvious here, with more trees displaying a rusty color rather than a healthy green. I was struck by how widespread the damage was compared to the previous year, and certainly disheartened by the rapidly spreading plague.

Beginning of the North Inlet Trail

North Inlet Creek

Summerland Park, North Inlet Creek

Trail east of Summerland Park

I was able to quickly find greener forests, though, as I continued east toward Cascade Falls. The trail began gaining some elevation for the first time, but only at a fairly gentle grade. I made good progress toward my campsite, anxious to get set up before evening. After about 90 minutes, I had arrived at the Cascade Falls area, my home for the night. The afternoon sunshine quickly gave way to overcast skies, although the rain held off. I first set up the campsite at the designated site area above the falls, then returned to the riverside for an early dinner. While taking pictures in between biting off pieces of beef jerky, a water ouzel put on a show as it repeatedly dunked itself in the cold waters of the stream in search of its own dinner. I then headed up toward the campsite to a great overlook of the valley, and watched the last light of the day fade away while Cascade Falls rumbled faithfully far below me.

Nearing the campsite

Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls

Ouzel at Cascade Falls

DAY 2 I hit the trail well before dawn, as I still had over 15 miles of hiking to do to reach my goals for the day. Passing the Big Pool area, I got to see some morning alpenglow from the unofficially-named Six Mile Pond along the trail. The pond broke up a long and rather uneventful stretch of trail between Big Pool and the North Inlet Junction. The cool morning made for easy hiking, but I was anxious to get to the junction and start heading for Nanita.

'Six Mile Pond'

Dawn at 'Six Mile Pond'

Dawn had given way to morning as I arrived at the junction, heading briefly downhill toward North Inlet Falls. Past the falls and several campsites, the trail began its first steep ascent. I had a light day pack, though, and continued to press on with minimal stops as the trail climbed quickly through several switchbacks. Eventually the forest began to open up for some long-awaited mountain views as I got closer to Lake Nokoni.

North Inlet Falls

Trail to Lake Nokoni

Approaching Lake Nokoni

Paintbrush and trail to Lake Nokoni