Sioux Charley

One of the first lakes you will encounter when entering the beautiful Stillwater drainage is the picturesque Sioux Charley Lake. This hike is an excellent choice for families seeking an enjoyable outdoor experience. In the initial segment of the hike, you will walk through a stunning canyon with roaring water, so loud that it makes conversation nearly impossible. As you continue, the trail evens out for a bit, allowing you to absorb the scenery. Gradually, you will begin to venture further from the river, and as the ascent resumes, you’ll find that this section will certainly elevate your heart rate, but thankfully, it doesn't last for very long. When you start to descend back toward the river, you’ll have the satisfying feeling of knowing you are getting closer to your destination. The hike is a little over 3 miles long and involves about 600 vertical feet of elevation gain. Interestingly, there is an old foundation located just a hundred yards away from the inlet to the lake, although finding it can prove to be quite tricky. If you find yourself crossing paths with numerous small baby trees, then you have likely gone too far. Due to past flooding, you can no longer walk directly along the riverbank, and instead, you must take the higher trail that starts conveniently right behind the outhouse.