SEPTEMBER 2018
 |
| ELEPHANTS PERCH ABOVE MIDDLE SADDLEBACK LAKE |
 |
| ELEPHANTS PERCH ABOVE LOWER SADDLEBACK LAKE |
 |
| MIDDLE SADDLEBACK LAKE |
 |
| MIDDLE SADDLEBACK LAKE |
The Saddleback Lakes are a scenic seven-mile round-trip hike from the end of Redfish Lake. To make it a seven mile hike you will need to take the shuttle boat across Redfish Lake, which was $17 when I hiked this trail in 2018. Without the shuttle, its a much longer hike. From the end of Redfish Lake the the trail follows along Redfish Lake Creek. Eventually you will need to leave the main trail and cross the creek to make it up to the Saddleback Lakes. There is no sign, so watch or map or GPS. You can also keep a look out for Elephants Perch, as it is a pretty distinctive rock formation adjacent to the lakes.
A little while before reaching Elephants Perch, the main trail will take you over to the creek at a section that looks like a water slide. While I was here, there were some logs laid across the creek to help you cross. There is no sign, but this is the best place to leave the main trail. After crossing the creek, you will find a trail that will take you all the way to the lakes. It is not an official Forest Service Trail, so there is no signage, but it is actually pretty well-used and easy to follow. From here the trail rises steeply up to the lakes which are well worth the effort.
