Sunrise on Mt. Morgan
| The Tamarack Trailhead is located at Rock Creek Lake at an elevation of 9,700 feet. This trail leads to 5 named lakes and many other un-named ponds. This area is much drier than Little Lakes Valley. Very few people take this hike, and it can be very rewarding due to the seclusion of the area. East Fork is the main creek that drains this section of Rock Creek Canyon. Dorothy Lake, Francis Lake, and the Tamarack Lakes are the most popular destinations for hikers on this trail. The easiest route for climbing Mt. Morgan is accessible from this trailhead. Use Francis Lake as a base camp if you don't want to try it as a day hike. |  |
| Francis Lake is incredibly scenic despite its small size. In early summer, wildflowers add to the lake's beauty. The easiest route for climbing Mount Morgan is accessed from here. Insects including mosquitoes may pose a problem at Francis, especially in the early-mid summer months. Campsites are present near the lake’s outlet. In the past fishing in this lake was excellent, but in the winter of 2000 the lake froze to a point that killed all the fish. No fish were present in the summer of 2001. |
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Dorothy Lake is another lake accessible along this trail. There is a beautiful, expansive meadow as you approach the lake which is filled with wildflowers in the early summer. Wildlife may also be spotted in the meadow. Campsites are scattered along the entire lakeshore. This is an excellent spot to use as a base camp for hikes to the Tamarack Lakes, Francis Lake, and Wheeler Crest. Due to the dry winters of 2001 and 2002, Dorothy Lake nearly dried up completely. There was no sign of fish in July of 2002. |
| The Tamarack Lakes are perfect examples of rugged glacial remnants. Rocks left behind by receding glaciers have dammed up the lakes, and their high elevation of 11,600 feet keeps most people and animals out of the area. As a result, the water in Tamarack Lakes is crystal clear. This hike is worth it for hikers that enjoy alpine lakes at or above timberline. Bighorn Sheep have been seen along the ridgetops around the Tamarack Lakes area, one of the few areas in the Rock Creek drainage where they're occasionally spotted. Brook trout occupy the lakes, and it's rumored that goldens also are present. |
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