Forest Lake

(American Fork Canyon) 3.8 miles RT
Easy, 1000'elevation gain
2 hours
No restrooms

*4.2 miles of rough dirt road  from Tibble Fork Reservoir to Mineral Basin; NEED high clearance vehicle; NARROW sections of road, especially if there is oncoming traffic
*no sign at trailhead; look for a wooden fence on the right side of the road with a few parking spaces; the trail lies across the river and heads southeast
*watch for ATVs and horses
*watch for stinging nettle
*take the left fork at 0.2 mi; take the right fork at 1.7 mi

Forest Lake is not a recreation spot where you want to fish or swim, but it sits in the middle of a tree-lined basin that is green in the summer and changes colors in the fall. A creek runs in front of the trailhead. Even in late summer you must be prepared to get your feet wet. After the creek, follow the trail to the left. You will see a few markers labeling the trail as �FS 194.� The trail ascends through the Uinta National Forest and is shaded by aspen and pine trees. The trail receives heavy traffic by off-road vehicles and can be muddy year round. At the top of the trail is a basin containing Forest Lake.

Getting there: From Interstate 15, take State Road 92 into American Fork Canyon. Go to Tibble Fork Reservoir and find the right fork, an unpaved road. Follow it for 4.2 miles. The road has exposed rock, wash outs and will be slow traveling. A high-clearance vehicle is preferable. The trailhead is Shaffer Fork, which also is labeled as �FS 194.�


Forest Lake from Dutchman Flat
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 2.0 to 3.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 3.6 miles
 Elevation Gain: 970 feet
Main Aspect: West
 Climb Rate: 539 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 10%
Notes: Dutchman Flat and Forest Lake once had a population of 3,000 people. The mining town was named Forest City. This part of American Fork Canyon is one of the most popular Off Road Vehicle (ORV) locations in the state, and can be very busy on weekend.
Trailhead: Dutchman Flat
Trailhead Elevation: 7530 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Distance from Fee Station: 11.6 miles
Area: American Fork Canyon
Area Location: East on Timpanogos Hwy (SR92), exit 284 in Utah County
Area Fee: $6
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: Follow the dirt road northwest from Tibble Fork for about 4.5 miles. This is a narrow jeep or ATV road, so do not take your sedan and expect to make it.
Destination: Forest Lake
Elevation: 8500 Feature: Lake
Notes: The lake is much quieter than it was in years past, except for when motorcycles and ATVs ride through.

***Here is a long but easy hike to the same location:
Forest Lake from Holman Flat TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 5.0 to 7.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 13.2 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1750 feet
Main Aspect: All Directions
 Climb Rate: 265 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 5%
Notes: Follow the trail past the mine, then Mill Canyon Peak, before dropping down to Forest Lake. Head back toward Dutchman Flat to make it a loop.
Trailhead: Holman Flat TH
 Trailhead Elevation: 6750 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Distance from Fee Station: 8.5 miles
Area: American Fork Canyon
Area Location: East on Timpanogos Hwy (SR92), exit 284 in Utah County
Area Fee: $6
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: Head straight north from Tibble Fork on the dirt road for about a mile. There is a primitive camp there.