LAKE CONSTANCE TRAIL Length 2.0 mi/3.2 km Access Dosewallips River Road (FS Road 2610) USGS Map The Brothers Agency Olympic National Park The Lake Constance Trail is a boot-built track which was created by the trampling of human feet over many years. Although it scarcely rises to the dignity of a decent footpath, it receives heavy use because it is not dangerous if one exercises caution. However, the trail's steepness—it ascends 3250 feet in 2 miles— makes it a strenuous route for the backpacker. The path begins on the Dosewallips Road (roughly 4.0 mi/6.4 km beyond the 2001 road washout) ai Constance Creek (0.3 mi/0.5 km beyond the park boundary; 1400 ft/427 m) and climbs steeply northward. As it follows the creek's course, the route goes straight up the forested mountainside, and one must hold onto the little trees while ascending the difficult places. About midway the terrain levels out briefly. At this point Half Acre Rock (1.0 mi/1.6 km; 3200 ft/975 m) either fell from a high cliffor was left by the glacier that came down from above. The huge block of basalt lies east of the trail, and its exploration makes an interesting side trip. The most unusual feature here is the Guillotine, a rock formation large enough to behead Paul Bunyan. The route now becomes more difficult, and one has to clamber over fallen trees and fight through thick brush; in the steepest places the hiker must cling to the limbs or exposed roots of small trees when ascending or descending. At one point the only possible way necessitates walking in the edge of the creek bed. During the last half mile, the trail climbs steeply over rock ledges and ascends a low precipice over which the creek plunges, leaping free of the rock. The trail climbs sharply almost to the brink of the lake, then the grade eases. The path ends at Lake Constance (2.0 mi/3.2 km; 4650 ft/1417 m), which lies cupped in a rocky bowl, or glacial cirque, at the base of Mount Constance. The lake is bordered by subalpine forest which is overshadowed by walls of pillow basalt, rocks that erupted on the floor of an ancient sea, the lava beds now standing almost vertical. The 11 -acre lake, which once was stocked with Eastern brook trout, varies in color from intense blue to emerald green, depending upon the light, and mirrors the surrounding cliffs and crags. The lake was formed by glacial action and rock slides. An enormous talus cone lies at the base of a clif to the northeast. Mountain goats are abundant here. Wool clings to the brush, and the curious animals often approach campsites, especially at night. Marmots and birds are also present. Unfortunately, because of overuse, camping is now by reservation only, and the lake water is polluted. Camping quotas are in effect May l-Scptcmbcr 30. Contact the Wilderness Information Center for details.