Eagle and Symphony Lakes

I didn't mark this one as kid-friendly because it's nearly 10 miles round-trip. It's not a very strenuous hike, just long for the little ones and this late in the year there's limited daylight. We ended up getting back to the car in the dark! The two lakes at the end of the trail are two different colors because they get their water from different sources which is neat. If there's any possibility of snow or ice on the trail, bring grippers. Poles could also be helpful for stability in the rock field.

For more information on the South Fork Eagle River Trail click here.

Eagle River Nature Center Public Use Cabin

Reservations need to be made early for the public use cabin at the Eagle River Nature Center. We got lucky and one of my husband's coworkers had to back out and offered us their spot. This is primitive camping in a one-room cabin. A nearby spring-fed pond provides water. Everything has to be packed in and out and it's about 1 1/4 miles from the parking area. If there's snow on the ground bring a sled! It makes getting everything there and back much easier. Also, even though we went in the spring the temperatures were in the teens. If you go (really any time of the year) you might consider bringing one jacket or layer that you think is warmer than you need.

For more information on the Eagle River Nature Center public use cabin click here.