Loon Lake Hike

After Rusty and I went on a backpacking trip to Loon Lake last year we decided we would try to take the kids on a day hike to the same place the next summer.  We put it on the calendar in the spring and started training for it.  We knew it would be a big hike for the kids.  It is around 11 miles round trip if you include the trek around the lake to see the crashed airplane.  We left at about 5 in the morning from Boise for the nearly three hour trip to the trailhead.  Our kids have a hiking usual.  Katelyn always runs up the trail and has an overabundance of energy on the way up.  On the way down Katelyn starts to wear out and her legs start to hurt.  The complaining starts.  Kyleigh is grumpy on the way up.  Not sure why, but she always is.  On the way back down she is a rock star.  Ridge requires bribes made of sugar, on the way up and way down.  Regardless of the negative parts, we always enjoy a full day hike.  Everyone has a sense of accomplishment when we are done.  This hike is a loop hike, which are my favorite.  The hike to the lake is about 4-5 miles and is a nice gradual climb with some water and shade.  Once you get to the lake it is quite a trek to get to the crashed plane.  Lots of swampy areas that require going up and over lots of downed trees.  The loop back down has water nearly the whole way and is very enjoyable.  The girls finished strong.  Ridge's legs gave out at about 9.5 miles and Rusty carried him the remainder of the way.  We all enjoyed seeing the plane.  Ridge asked about a million questions about it and was very excited to see it up close.  Overall a great trip.  Always glad we went.