WATSON LAKE TO SKILAK LAKE SKI

DISTANCE:  5.2 miles
TERRAIN:  Snow covered taiga, lakes/ponds, dense brush, road.
TIME:  ~4 hours

Mrs. Huffy skis across a snow bridge over the East Fork of the Moose River as we begin our trek.  Note the sunburst in the water.

Taking a breather on Marsh Lake in the brilliant sunshine. (photo courtesy Mrs. Huffy)

Mrs. Huffy on Marsh Lake.

Wing marks from a bird of prey.  It clearly caught something in this area as tracks indicating a struggle were all around.

Mrs. Huffy bushwhacking.  This lasted for about a half-mile...which was plenty.

On the road to Lower Skilak Lake Campground/Boat Ramp.

Finally, back at the vehicle.

The ski from Watson Lake to Skilak Lake has been on my list for a long time.  So, after a thorough study of the route on Google Earth and convincing Mrs. Huffy it would be a great trip we took off on a brilliant sunny morning.  This trip requires two cars so we left the Subaru at Lower Skilak Lake Campground, then drove to Watson Lake where we parked the truck.

The first challenge of the trip was crossing the East Fork of the Moose River.  We were in luck because there were still plenty of snow bridges to choose from and we crossed with ease.  Then it was on to Marsh Lake which was flat and easy.  Once across the lake things became more interesting.  There was lots of overflow in the lake drainage which was covered by snow.  Our feet got wet.  Then we entered an area of extemely dense brush and downed trees.  After a half-mile or so we popped out on Skilak Loop Road which we skied the remainder of the way to our car.

Along the way we spotted some evidence of animals including a beaver dam, the imprints of bird wings in the snow, one set of moose tracks, a couple of snowshoe hare trails, and the prints of a coyote.  We did see an American Dipper as we were crossing the snow bridges, but not much beyond that in terms of live critters.

Overall, it was a great trip made even better by the warmth of the sun.  But, I don't think it will become a regular ski due to the shuttling of cars and the bushwhacking, although that makes it memorable...in my book.