As the end of Summer approaches and the local kids head back to school, we have been trying to squeeze that last bit of "fun in the sun" out, before the beginning of a long eight-month stretch of Winter arrives. This year, we enjoyed much of the Summer close to home. The relaunch of my business has meant a tighter than usual budget. But luckily, we live in a beautiful area, surrounded by nature. There are plenty of places to go for free.

My son was hanging out with one of his buddies, when I mentioned that I wanted to go to a beautiful spot to relax by the water and take pictures. My son's friend, who is very much an outdoorsman, mentioned Swan Lake. I had heard of it, but had no idea how to get there. He offered up directions via the local flavor of "landmarks," (which I mistakenly thought I could simply memorize). As my son and I were leaving town, I realized we were going to need clearer direction. So, I had him pull up Google maps to make sure we were going the right way. Now, Google maps makes it look like one can simply drive to this place, park and jump in the water. However, once we found the small dirt road off the highway that was supposed to lead to the lake, we were met with a "No Trespassing" sign...and another one below it, written on wood, stating that we could park in this spot, but would have to walk to the lake.

There was a big farm up the hill, with lots of heavy machinery and outbuildings. As we made our way up the dirt road on foot, we were met by two men in a truck. I asked them if we were going the right way and they offered up even more confusing directions..."You see that field way over there? You need to walk on the path along the field. When you get to the top of the hill, go right. When you come to another fork, go left, then right, then left...." Gah! And, they were both debating with each other about the best way to go and pointing at things on the mountain above, that I nodded like I knew what I was looking at (never ask a man...or two men for directions). After that, I still wasn't sure where I was going, but thanked them, and we continued through the big farm.

By the time we made it to the path along the field, I was already winded and thirsty. We weren't prepared for a hike into the woods. Plus, it was really hot outside.  But, we continued on, with the hope that the lake was "just up there." At the top of the path along the field, we went right (like the men said) and were met with a steep, but wide enough trail for an ATV. About half-way up that hill, I felt like I was going to pass out. My son, who is young and in good shape...plus, wearing flip-flips, marched on...as I slowly trailed behind. The path seemed never ending. And, when we got to the top, there were more paths, leading in all different directions. Luckily, we had reception up there, so my son opened Google maps again and started following the navigation. We ended up getting separated when I took a different path, but eventually found the place.

At first, I couldn't tell there was a lake there. All I saw was the edge of a cliff. But, when I walked over and looked over the edge, there it was! It was like a big crater full of water. It was beautiful and well worth the effort of hiking up the mountain. Looking down, I could see a family playing in the water by the shore, but didn't initially know how to get down there. Given the remote location and the fact that this wasn't a park, I was afraid I would have to jump off the cliff! Luckily, we discovered a little walking path through the trees that took us down (into the "crater").

I could not believe how amazing this place was. We were surrounded by limestone...there were even caves!

My son had so much fun exploring and swimming. When I was speaking to his friend who told us about this place, he claimed that the water was 70 feet deep. I don't think that it's that deep, but it certainly looked deep. It reminded me of the kind of place a Loch Ness-type monster would live. I didn't get in the water, but my son said that little fish were constantly nibbling on his feet.

The details of the rocks and trees surrounding the lake were a visual treat. I ended up taking over 500 pictures of the journey to and from the lake, as well as "inside" the lake itself.

There isn't too much information about this place on the internet, other than that it is a drainage for the Bear River and located in the Swan Lake Gulch, along the foothills, just east of Soda Springs, Idaho. Some people have proposed building, yet another, phosphorus mine here (that would likely threaten this pristine location). It is certainly understandable, given how quiet and undisturbed this lake is, that the locals would want to keep it a secret.

You can see more photos from this location in my gallery. After seeing how awesome this place is, I plan to return and explore more. Next time I will come prepared...