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Niki Alden

"The difference between an adventure and an ordeal is your attitude"

Pratt Lake Basin is an amazing hike. Spending the night at Tuscohatchie Lake was the best idea our group had - our plan had been to spend the night at Melakwa Lake, but when we stumbled upon Tuscohatchie we couldn't resist spending the night. We stayed close to the trail on a small flat area (that might have been cleared by humans) RIGHT next to the exit stream, which is more of a waterfall than a stream! We then explored the lake the following day, skinny-dipping, swimming to the far end, laughing, and having fun! From the time we left Pratt Lake (most people's destination) we didn't see a single soul, until we were packed up and leaving late afternoon the next day. A beautiful hike!

This backpacking trip is one of my fondest memories. It is strenuous - after we left the old growth forest behind, we quickly realized that the trail-makers had "forgotten what switchbacks were." The views of the Basin were amazing. If you get the opportunity to explore, it is filled with small streams, steep drop-offs, grassy hills, and small mountain lakes. Take off your clothes and jump in - just make sure its sunny out and you have a way to dry off! (That glacier water will certainly cool you down) As the other reviewer mentioned, Foggy Lake wasn't as breathtaking as I expected. I was much more fascinated, and entertained, by the Basin itself. The ground there was also softer, flatter, and not on direct rocks, so we decided to head back down and camp there instead. The Basin is much more lush - Foggy Lake is higher up with little vegetation. Overall, it was a beautiful hike, and highly recommended. Hike or backpacking. We saw few people, but everyone was panting with exertion. Be prepared, and bring water!