North and Middle Sister reflect in the clear waters of Scott Lake - elevation 4,800 feet. The first time we set out to find Scott Lake, we ended up at a Boy Scout camp on Melakwa Lake. While it was a nice hike, we learned later that we had trespassed on private property ... oops. A year later, we went looking for Scott Lake again, and this time we started from the trailhead to Hand Lake Shelter so we could include two lakes in one hike.

In late October, there is a bit of snow on the trail but the McKenzie Pass is usually still open and the glorious snow-capped mountain views are unparalleled.

Hand Lake Shelter is located just 0.5 mile from the trailhead.

From the shelter, you can take the side path through a meadow leading toward Hand Lake and a lava flow. In mid-fall, the lake was small and muddy ... but we watched a deer drink at water's edge.

Mt. Washington's distinctive peak looms above the lava flow.

To continue to Scott Lake from Hand Lake Shelter, head straight across a small stretch of meadow and back up into the trees where the path offers peek-a-boo views of North and Middle Sister along the way.

The trail leads through 2-3 meadows that sport snow and the last of the fall colors this time of year. We've read that wildflowers are abundant in the summer months ... along with mosquitoes.

On a map, Scott Lake looks like three bodies of water connected by two fingers. We came upon the northeastern section first and ate our lunch in the sun, shooting more photos than we care to admit (see photo at top of page).

This photo was taken from the middle section of Scott Lake, which was strewn with plenty of picnic tables under the trees.