skelton lake

Skelton Lake is one of the four lakes along the Duck Lake Trail. Very well marked trail that has some switchbacks. Trout can be caught there. Takes a few hours to reach from the Coldwater Campground parking lot.

Skelton is the second of five scenic, alpine lakes on the Duck Pass Trail. Adjacent to the trail head parking lot are the restored remains of a 1920's mining camp. The trail switch backs uphill for the first mile and a half, and one can be rewarded by taking the spur trail down to Arrowhead Lake, and following the trail to a series of mini-cascades as it climbs above this lake. Near the top of the creek side trail are remains of the Skelton Boys stamp and saw mill, dating back to the 1870's. The trail is then relatively flat for less than half a mile until one reaches the sparkling, blue waters of Skelton Lake. The best picture spot is the tip of a small peninsula which faces south and offers stunning views of this "L" shaped lake. More ambitious hikers can venture ahead to four more lakes within about three miles (Barney, Red, Pika, and Duck). On the return trip, a spur trail just north of Arrowhead rewards one with views of narrow gorges and waterfalls, and a fisherman's trail can be followed along the ravine, ending at the mining camp.