St Louis Lake (11,531') is located 5.75 miles from St Louis Creek Road in the Fraser Experimental Forest. This long but moderate trail runs through subalpine forests and a long string of meadows between treeline and a 12,000' ridge to the lake.

When established in 1937, the primary intent of the Fraser Experimental Forest was to study the relationship between forest management and water yield in the subalpine zone

The St Louis Lake Trail turns north from the St Louis Pass Trail split and levels across meadows between treeline and a 12,000' ridge along the Byers Peak Wilderness Boundary

Streamflow in the Fraser Experimental Forest is monitored in four watersheds and two sub-basins; a continuous record of streamflow for the oldest watersheds dates back to 1941

FEF research into snow distribution factors and water yields has been incorporated into water yield models for similar landscapes across Colorado

Many of the silvicultural and hydrological practices applied to subalpine forest management in the central Rockies has been derived from research in the Fraser Experimental Forest

Cross the marshy, willow-lined outlet area to reach established campsites on tree-topped knolls on the SE side of the lake

The permanent gate closure on St Louis Creek Road has added significant distance to the hike, but has reduced crowds that once over-burdened the lake and surrounding meadows

St Louis Lake forms Mine Creek, which joins St Louis Creek below the original trailhead

The FEF is unique among forest research sites in that its scope extends from the alpine to lower alpine ecosystems, with a comprehensive historical record across a range of key indicators

The east ridge over St Louis Lake is fairly easy to reach, and provides the the best views over the basin

Burls develop when the tree is very young (typically in a 'bud-collar' around the base) and assume a bulbous, knobby shape as the tree grows

The St Louis Divide Trail runs along the ridge over the lake

Large, splayed hind feet with soles covered in long hairs give snowshoe hares enhanced floatation on snow