Backpacking to Middle Rock Lake

Middle Rock Lake Campsite
Middle Rock Lake - campsite

Our original plan was to camp at Serene Lake, but we got a late start and hiked too slow.  We decided to divert to Middle Rock Lake, which worked out well.  Somehow, we snagged the best camping spot on the lake and the kids got busy catching crawdads.  Our site was right next to the lake, had great views, and good access to the water.  By evening, all of the camping spots were occupied.  With 2 adults, and four boys (8, 11, 11, 16), we were easily the most obnoxious group at the lake.  One of the boys tried swimming across the lake, but we convinced him to turn around.

After setting up camp, we hiked to Upper Rock Lake, which is pretty small and did not appear to have any good camping options.  Also, there were quite a few trees down across the trail from Middle Rock to Upper Rock.  We also checked out Lower Rock Lake on our way out, which is ok, but I would not want to camp there.  The lake was warm and there where lots of tad poles.  

Of the three, Middle Rock is definitely the nicest lake, and has the best camping options.

Rock Lakes map
Rock Lakes

On the hike in, we past campers sporting jeans at Shellrock lake, with rogue fires, full size coolers, and beer!  Shellrock lake is a good option for a (very) short backpacking trip.  I would avoid it on the weekends though.

Middle Rock Lake campsite topo
Middle Rock Lake campsite
MIddle Rock Lake - sunshine
Beautiful day at Middle Rock Lake
Middle Rock Lake - sunset
Sunset
Middle Rock Lake - mushrooms
Mushrooms