Into The Woods . . .

I saw the sign so many times–Harlequin Lake–but I could never see the trailhead. Was it further up or down the road? Did so few people walk the trail that the surrounds swallowed it up? Well, why don’t I just park across from the sign and take a good look. I see it . . . uhhhhh . . .

The trailhead to Harlequin Lake is near the Madison River close to Madison Junction along the West Entrance Road in Yellowstone. It is only about a mile walk round trip, but peering into the woods, we need to do a little precautionary preparation. The trees are “new” growth, the result of the area being burned in the 1988 fires. So we have lots of downed trees, narrow trail with wide open meadows every so often, and it’s springtime. We need to think of the possibility: BEARS.

Of course the smartest thing to do is NOT take the walk alone. It is always safer in groups of three or more, but here I am. OK, extra caution: strap on the bear spray close to my right hand, clap and make noise all along the way. So as I start singing (that should chase anything away), we are off!

Suddenly the forest opens up to a beautiful meadow to my left. Should be full of flowers in another three to four weeks. The small butte beyond the meadow hides the lake from easy view. The trail will take us around the butte to the lake.

We continue to walk up, but off to my left I just had the scare of my life. I realized I was quietly walking along enjoying the bird song, the fresh air, the beautiful day and realized–YOU ARE NOT MAKING NOISE, so I clapped and said, “Hey bear!” Well, I startled a Blue Grouse who flew up almost hitting me and I almost jumped out of my skin! Well, I may be shaking, but it wasn’t a bear so I think I’m OK . . . pant, sweat, heart 1,000 beats per second–think I’ll hold the can of bear spray with safety off for a while though. OK, OK, I’m fine, let’s persevere. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger–I hope.

I think we are getting close. This little climb should get us high enough to see the lake. Barely a flower to be found along the trail, but the thought of the colorful bounty to come very soon now makes me think we will walk this way again.

As the forest opens to the sky we get our first peek of the lake. See it below the mountain? Let’s get closer.

The trail drops us down to the 10-acre lake which sits beneath Purple Mountain, a 1,400 foot climb. Up that high we get great views of the Madison Valley which we will explore another day.

Harlequin Lake is between 4 and 11 feet deep and is considered barren of fish. The Harlequin ducks, for which it was named, never frequent the lake. I don’t know why they chose to name it after ducks that only live in turbulent river rapids. This lake is best known for lily pads and their flowers, water lilies. They are starting to break the surface all over the lake.

Harlequin Lake is also known for beavers, elk in spring and in fall, and MOSQUITOS.  It is spring, few bugs, but we have to remember bug spray as well as bear spray next trip. That’s the beauty of winter–no bears, no bug–but the lake freezes completely and just blends into the white sweep of a Yellowstone winter.

Beaver sign! I can envision those huge incisors gnawing away at this Lodgepole Pine. Beavers weigh between 40-60 pounds and can be four feet long. They are big animals with very sharp teeth. They are North America’s largest rodent. Actually, I’d feel better face to face with a field mouse, thank you very much.

Looking east down the lake, there is no sign of a beaver lodge. Downed trees and wood chips tell us they are here though, so perhaps another visit, mosquitos and all, is in store.

As we begin the walk back, we need to remember–clap hands, talk loud, sing. We are still in the woods.

As we get closer to the end of the trail we see Three Brothers Mountains across the Madison River on our horizon.

No one is quite sure why the three peaks along the Madison Plateau are called Three Brothers, but the thinking is it originated from a park employee who came from Yosemite where there is a feature with the same name. Although this feature has been referred to as Family Butte in the past, the name the Three Brothers Mountains became official in 1959.

So we’ve clapped, sang, kept our hand on the bear spray, been scared almost to death by a grouse, and soaked up some rays along the lake edge. It’s been a wonderful afternoon! I can see the opening to the car just ahead.

Until next time, slow yourself down and enjoy the view!