BeckerLakeBeartooths2010

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After a rainy night, the skies are encouraging for a few minutes and here, Susie is setting off from the trailhead around the lower end of Island Lake. Lonesome Peak is in the center.

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Roger and Sarah rockhopping over one of the many inlets of Island Lake.

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After a rest break, Sarah and Susie are ready to go again.

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Across open country near Flake Lake, the skies appear more threatening.

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After leaving the maintained trail above Flake Lake, we descend to a crossing of the connector stream between Mutt and Jeff Lake. Deciding to head for the lower end of Becker Lake, we take the north shore of Mutt Lake. Here, Susie goes under an overhang which reminds us of the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee.

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In one spot, the cliffs descend right to the lake shore. A bit of scrambling, here, with Roger assisting Sarah.

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Coming up along the outlet stream from Becker Lake.

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Our plan had been to go to Echo Lake, but when we saw this campsite at the lower end of Becker, we thought: Why Not??

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The campsite even had a super eating area, away from our tent area, with a great view of the lake and trees from which to hang our tarp. It turns out: thankfully.

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Sarah (in red) found a great tree from which to hang our food, so that is what we have done and are returning to camp prior to a day hike to Echo Lake.

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The weather actually looked decent that afternoon, so we took off for a quick trip to Becker. Some rock hiking, but an easy 3/4 mile or so.

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The GPS said we were within 600 feet of the lower end of Echo. We just could not see the water. So we are closing in.

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Echo looked like it had great views and several camping spots, but it is 250 feet higher than Becker and seemed to offer less shelter.

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Sarah and Roger checking maps at Echo Lake.

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Back at the outlet of Becker, it was time to take a few photos while the sky was cooperative.

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Even though it only showered for a short period, it seemed the prudent thing to set up dinner under the tarp. Roger seems to be stirring something.

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Just at sunset, the lighting got really nifty and we took a lot of photos to get the right blend of highlights and shadows.

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The next morning, the weather was awful: rain and snow showers, so it seemed like a good time to sit in the tent and read. Susie is smiling because she is warm and dry.

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After lunch, it seemed like the weather might improve. (In your dreams, Fleishman!!) So we opted for a short, off trail circumnavigation of Becker Lake. Such involves some climbing, simply because the west side of the lake has some cliff areas where the rock comes right down to the water. Here, Susie is heading up.

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Looking back, we have a good view of our campsite.

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Sarah takes a breather while Susie takes a photo of Roger taking a photo.

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We skirted the cliffs 200 feet or so above the lake. Yes, that is snow coming down.