Ruth Lake, Jewel Lake, Cutthroat Lake, and Teal Lake

This is a good short overnight trip but can easily be a day hike. It's a good trail for beginning/young backpackers and a very dog friendly trail with many small streams, ponds and lakes for water. Scenic with constant views of majestic peaks, small meadows, lakes and the wild flowers are abundant. Ruth Lake is the most popular and populated. For more solitude, head further up the trail to Cutthroat Lake. Camping: There is primitive campsites at all of the lakes Fishing: The fishing is very good if you're using the right bait/lures. A lot of people use flies and power bait. All of the lakes have Cutthroat and a lot can be seen from the shore. Some of the lakes have Tiger Trout (Jewel Lake for sure) and Brook Trout. Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are rampant in the early morning and late afternoon. A little insect repellent keeps them away pretty successfully. Ruth Lake: The trail to Ruth Lake is easy and well-traveled the entire way. This portion of the trail is about .75 of a mile. Ruth is the most popular and populated. Hayden Lake: To Hayden Lake is short and also well-traveled. Break off directly to the west at the end and make your own path to Hayden. There is a moderate elevation gain between these two lakes. Jewel Lake: The trail to Jewel Lake is an easy decline trail that leads northwest of Hayden Lake. There is a stream that can be followed all the way to Jewel. The best camping is on the Northwest side. From the beginning of the trail all the way to Jewel was about 1.5 miles. You ca then loop to Cutthroat, Teal and back to Jewel. This is the least populated part of the trip. Cutthroat Lake: Make your own trail to Cutthroat cutting through some meadows and following alongside others. It is a rather relaxed and pleasant trek through nature. Teal Lake: From Cutthroat to teal is another short walk along many small meadows littered with ponds and amazing scenery. There is a steep decline just before Teal Lake. There is no beaten trail here and a trail map is recommended. From Teal back to Jewel: There is no beaten path here whatsoever and feels a little like bushwhacking through the rugged forest back to Jewel.