BLUE LAKE HIKE

 It seems as though I repeat myself a lot when I update our blog.  I'm pretty sure I've said this might be our favorite hike yet...but this time I mean it!! 

 We have been wanting to do this hike for awhile so today was our day to make it happen!

 The weather was cool and wet but once we started moving it felt perfect!  The trail to the lake is 2 miles and the terrain is easy and suitable for kids...especially when they find their very own hiking sticks.

 You feel like you are in the middle of Jurassic Park and a dinosaur could peak out at any moment.

 The pictures could never do this place justice. 

 August also enjoyed it so much that naps were non existent today!

 The trail follows the Mackenzie River most of the way which is perfectly clear and beautiful.

 The trees that have fallen are full of character.

 

Our boys are great little hikers.  It's easy to take for granted but they are truly amazing.  

 They find the coolest trees and are gracious enough to let me take their photo...constantly:)

 Sawyer found a slug...a big fat juicy one!

 The boys are already talking about coming back to this place.

 We took almost 2 hours to get to the lake since we stopped quite a bit to just take in the beauty of it.

 Boys on the bridge in the back.

 The trail had quite a bit of water on it but it was pretty easy to avoid or go around.

 Everywhere you look it's green!

 A view of the river from above.

 You can see how close you are to the view of the river.

 Pretty but spectacular in person:)

 If you have not done this hike, it is a must do for this summer!

 

My handsome hubby:)

 Silly shot.

 Another view point.

 This little guy is a STUD!  We sang lots of songs and pointed to lots of super cool things on our hike.

 This is the "Lego Tree" because the back side looks like a bunch of Lego pieces.

 The boys were great at using their sticks to maneuver around the water spots.

 Before you know it, you are HERE!  Blue Lake!  It really is that blue.

 We spent a good 30 minutes hanging out and had a nice little snack/picnic before heading back.

 The next time we go we may venture to the other side across the lake but it looks like a steep climb down and back up...but probably worth it to be down close to the lake.

 The last 3/4 of a mile before getting to the lake is surrounded by lava.

 And many cool trees to climb into:)

 Family shot at Blue Lake

 Enjoying the view with some snacks!

 My boys.

 We headed back with the intention of not stopping as much to take pictures:)  It only took us about 70 minutes to get back to the parking lot.

 So altogether we spent just under 4 hours on this hike. 

 Huge trees are everywhere.

 Two fun bridges to cross.

 

Tons of hiding spots!

 After our hike we broke out the hot cocoa for the boys and Greg and me enjoyed some hot tea. 

And this guy...spent 4 hours in this backpack never once fussing about it.  Love him and his sense of adventure.  I can tell already he can see the beauty in it as much as we do.

A hike to remember!!