White Pine Lupine Traditional Cache

The White Pine Lake Trail joins two of the crown jewels of the Cache National Forest – Tony Grove Lake and White Pine Lake. On its way this pleasant 3.8-mile trail (one way) winds its way through stunning wildflower meadows, cool aspen/fir forests, and rock-strewn fields, all watched over by the gray ramparts of Mt. Magog. The trail rises mostly gently for about 2 miles, after which it veers sharply west and descends via switchbacks into White Pine Creek Canyon.

This is one of the most beautiful and popular hikes in this area, and my personal favorite. Even in the height of summer, the altitude (between 8-9,000 ft.) keeps you relatively cool. One early major landmark is a wildflower meadow that has always had something blooming when I’ve seen it. If you come at the right time, it is a riot of color. Fall hikers come to see the brilliant fall colors, when the aspen groves turn a bright yellow and orange against the deep green of the fir forests. Cool and clear White Pine Lake, your destination, lies at the base of towering cliffs bookended by the rugged peaks of Mounts Gog and Magog.

This hike enters a region of the forest neighboring Mt. Naomi Wilderness. While neither the hike nor the lakes are in designated wilderness areas, the U.S.F.S. generally manages them under wilderness restrictions.

A $15 fee (2020: $10; 2017: $7) may be collected for parking at the Tony Grove Lake Area parking lot. If you have the National Parks pass, the fee is waived (according to the rangers at the USFS Info Center in Logan.) There is a latrine at each end of the hike, but no drinking water.