2015 Denali Triple Lakes Trail Hike (June)

The Triple Lakes Trail is approximately 9.5 miles each way and is primarily made of compacted gravel and dirt. The Park Service has done an excellent job of improving this trail over the years by adding drainage structures and other enhancements. You can see some of this work being done in previous- year photos of the trail. It is all done by hand, no power tools. The elevation change along the trail is 1,000 feet, with about 20% grade. The photos show what a magnificent trail it is!

Bill ready to start the hike from the trailhead by the train station
This section of the trail is part of a larger system around the visitors' center and is wide and accommodating.
One of the few signs that direct hikers to the Triple Lakes Trail. Which reminds me that several hikers along the trail had no idea how long the trail was or that it wasn't an out and back. I guess they should have read the sign at the trailhead.
Bill pointing at the Alaska Railroad bridge. Before the bridges over Riley Creek were built, the ARR bridge was the only way to cross the creek and complete the trail.
The Alaska Railroad bridge. It was fun and adventurous crossing on the bridge before the Park Service built the bridges over Riley Creek. The creek isn't always this low.
Riley Creek, also fun to ski in the winter.
Lots of wildflowers along the trail. (Arctic Lupine)
The trail between the two Riley Creek bridges.
This is the bridge that made completing the Triple Lakes Trail possible without crossing the ARR bridge.
This is the section of Riley Creek that had to be forged to complete the Triple Lakes Trail, necessitating crossing the ARR trestle.
Bill on the Riley Creek bridge.
Riley Creek
Riley Creek
More Riley Creek
And even more Riley Creek
Wild rose along the trail
Lots of wildflowers along the trail
Another wild rose
The trail starts to narrow after crossing the bridge.
More wildflowers (Blue Bells)
Starting to climb
Random view along the trail
More lupine
Siberian Aster
Some of the best sculptures are made by nature.
Nature's wood sculpture
A view of Riley Creek from above
Random view while waiting for my hiking partner
View from along the ridge line.
Waiting....
My hiking partner emerges!
Bill made it to the ridge line.
I love this place!
Looking down at Riley Creek
The trail along the ridge line
Waiting....
There he is!
Riley Creek flowing through the valley.
Just another majestic view.
A Tiger Swallowtail enjoying some Frigid Arnica.
Finally going downhill!
This tree has been here a long time. More of nature's art.
The first view of lakes three and two going north to south on the trail.
Lake two
Lake two
The boardwalk
Lake one and the beaver house.
The Nenana River