Trout Lake

Our Saturday afternoon plans had changed suddenly and we found ourselves near the quaint little town of Trout Lake, WA (population 517) with nothing to do.

On our drive toward Trout Lake we saw signs about every half mile for the Trout Lake Art Festival. It had become a joke for us as we drove the twenty miles north toward the town. We joked about wondering if there was possibly an art festival around, that tickets would be sold out, that the lines would be too long or maybe all the signs were the art festival. It was just funny to us that with so few places to turn or go, they had so many signs.

Little did we know at the time but this art festival was going to be a primary part our evenings entertainment.

After our backpacking plans fell through, we wondered where we could go dressed in hiking gear with minimal options for changing clothes and nothing with us but the gear in our packs. We toyed with the idea of finding a new hike, but it was pretty late in the day for that. We decided that we might as well check out the art festival and see what all the hype was all about.

Turns out that the Trout Lake Art Festival is one darn cute event. I couldn't help but take pictures, not that they do the setting or atmosphere justice.

It was a pretty happening place, despite the
small population it draws from.

Just the most beautiful setting for a
farmers market style art festival.

Glass garden decorations

Seriously, just gorgeous setting. Love the old barn.

Inside the cool old barn.

You just can't build them like this anymore ;)

After perusing the artists' work we checked out the food vendors and sampled some local wine and beer. During our tastings we were pegged as not being from around there and got into a conversation with some locals. They apologized for the Yakima Tribe and their unreliable trail opening schedule (not that it was their fault). They gave us some recommendations for a nearby camping spot that was off the beaten track and known only by the locals.

Their verbal directions were a challenge. Literally, we felt challenged to find this undisclosed location, just to see if we could based on their directions. We weren't sure if we wanted to drive up to a camping spot and 'car camp' after having the hopes of a several mile hike into the wilderness and earning our cold, rocky bed. This was just too easy. We had to check it out, nonetheless.

The nondescript entrance. Who would have known
a little treasure lied beyond.

A fantastic little stream that reportedly
had a waterfall within day hike distance.

We hiked up the stream for a bit, but didn't see the waterfall.
It just felt good to be in the outdoors.

We decided not to camp, as there were already a few families camping there, but it was a nice little walk in the woods and the smell of the forest satisfied my outdoor itch. Next we needed to satisfy our hungry stomachs.

Mt Adams from the roadway.

On our drive there we saw two options: a little cafe attached to the town's gas station (cuter than it sounds) and a lodge with patio dining. Even though we were in our hiking clothes, we chose the lodge. I'm so glad we did! We had the most delightful evening and impromptu date night. Way better than the freeze dried meal that was originally planned for the evening.

The lodge, Serenity's, was positioned with a fantastic view of Mt. Adams. As we dined, we watched some clouds slowly move away from the mountain, revealing the glacier covered peak. It was a gorgeous evening with a beautiful view. Some romantic nights just can't be planned.

Patio dining, you can kind of see Mt. Adams back there.

Playing with the camera while we waited.
Not wildflowers, but flowers nonetheless.

The mountain at the start of dinner.

The mountain at dessert.

Gorgeous mountain!

Happy couple.

A perfect, unexpected ending to the day.