Lake Helene is located 3.15 miles from the Bear Lake Trailhead beneath Flattop Mountain (12,324'), Ptarmigan Point (12,363') and Notchtop Mountain (12,129'). The trail continues another mile down to Odessa Lake, a popular destination for backpackers and anglers.

Lake Helene (10,643') is a relatively small, shallow lake with no running inlet; it forms from snow melt captured on steep walls on the east side of the Continental Divide

Odessa Lake originates from glacial remnants in the Tourmaline Gorge (center top), which extends east from the Continental Divide between Knobtop and Gabletop

Lake Helene's outlet stream tumbles down Grace Falls, which can be seen on the descent to Odessa Lake

Looking down at Odessa Lake from the hairpin turn around Joe Mills Mountain; this steep descent can be treacherous with snow cover

At least 4 trout species exist in the Park: brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat

Odessa Lake holds large trout populations prized by anglers, but campsites are limited, as is space for casting near the outlet

The Rocky Mountains have been repeatedly uplifted and eroded over millions of year

Snow may cover lengthy stretches of trail - especially on north faces - well into summer (as in this photo taken late June)

Despite their proximity and ostensible connection, Lake Helene drains north and joins Fern Creek, and Two Rivers Lake drains east as Mill Creek

The trail to Lake Helene hugs steep slopes with snow that may linger well into summer

Prime bulls (8-9 years old) stand the best chance of mating, a process which can severely weaken the animal

The Park's oldest rocks (schist and gneiss) are estimated to be 1.8 billion years old

The edge of Two Rivers Lake