[smokeydon]

Lets start by saying there is no anglers trail anymore and the route is very steep and slippery due to the immense amount of dry pine needles on the hillside. I set out on this trip solo but ended up joining with a very nice group of 7 people that were nice enough to allow me to make the trip with them. The leader did an incredible job of leading us to the lake and back down to the very same spot he left his sneakers the day before. I was amazed and impressed by his route finding skills and the word is he does it all the time. The lake was very beautiful and to our surprise there was a group of 4 already there when we arrived. Frank said that it was the 12th time up there for him and was very unwilling to give any specific details on his routes over the years. Oh well, everybody has their little sanctuary. The scramble to the summit was very easy and had a very rewarding view. There were bears all over the place and we even had a close encounter with one up high on the slopes of the mountain. Great trip, lots of punishment don`t know if I would go back again.

snags@stoutlk

stout lake

[hikermike]

Thanks for the report, I have been planning to go there for some time but since the angler's trail is gone will have to move it down the list as I usually solo. Any more pics? Odd, as everyone is complainingabout overcrowded trails, here's one that has disappeared from lack of use.

[#19]

Nice TR and pics. I followed this old guy up a few routes and he told a similar tale as you regarding Stout. But not 11 people there at one time! If that keeps happening there will be a bootpath before you know it.

[smokeydon]

Here are a few more pictures of the area, as requested.

Looking N from summit of Newhalem peak, over Wilcox lks and down Mcallister cr.

Cresting the summit of Newhalem pk with Teebone ridge in background.

[-lol-]