For a lake to be designated as an "alpine lake" it must be at, or above, 9,000 feet in elevation.
Indeed, many lakes in and around Grand Teton National Park are designated as "alpine.
" One such lake is named Lost Lake and is located east of Grand Teton National Park just outside the park boundary.
For the avid outdoorsman and fisherman, this lake is the epitome of quiet commune with nature and requires not only fishing skills but also ground navigation and common sense to arrive at its shores.
HOW TO GET THERE Here are the directions to this fishing gem in the forest:Travel east on Highway 26 from the Moran Junction (park entrance) to the top of Togwottee Pass.
This is a short 19 mile drive through Grand Teton National Park and the beautiful Buffalo Valley.
At the top of Togwottee Pass go another 2.
7 miles to an unmarked national forest road extending north from the highway.
Although this road is not marked, it is easily identifiable.
Drive about ¾ mile north on this forest road to the national forest barrier where you will park your vehicle.
The forest road is rough so be sure you take an SUV or truck to be sure you have the proper clearance.
Once you arrive at the forest barrier, pack up for a short 1 ½ mile hike to the lake.
The hike is not difficult until the last quarter mile against Absorka Ridge on a short stretch called "Suicide Hill" a beautiful rock outcropping that overlooks the entire Grand Teton National Park and mountain range.
Begin your hike due north from the forest barrier.
Be "Bear Aware" because this is the point where the Park and Forest rangers drop off "bad" grizzly bears (bears known to have been a nuisance).
Carry bear mace and a good side arm with hard-tipped bullets just in case.
The trail is a solid trail used to access trophy elk during the elk season.
Upon reaching a large meadow (easily identified) follow the edge of the meadow until you come to a huge Ponderosa Pine which is also on the right side of the meadow.
Turn right at this point.
Follow the winding path to the edge of the lake.
After a short ascent up Suicide Hill the lake suddenly appears in front of you as you emerge from the dense forest.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE Lost lake is about 400 yards across by 1200 yards long and is turquoise blue, the color of the Caribbean, with a rock and sandy bottom.
Brush piles and deadfall are prevalent on the shoreline with many points wherefrom to fish.
You can see at least 20 feet deep in the water because it is so clean and clear.
Take hip boots to wade out into the lake or, if you are a real man, you can haul your float tube up Suicide Hill.
If you do, you will be the winner of the fishing contest for the day and possibly for years to come.
Now is the time to catch fish...
Yellowstone Cutthroat, West Slope Cutthroat, Brook Trout and Mountain White Fish are prevalent in the lake.
CAN YOU CATCH ANY FISH THERE? This is not a fish story.
In three hours time an average fisherman can catch 40 or more fish using either spinners (Panther Martins hit on the fall) or various flies.
Yellow and red seem to be the color the fish hit the most.
However, it seems they will hit anything.
Not many know about this place.
It is special.
Directions are available from the locals in the area.
WHERE TO GET YOUR LICENSE If you are from out of state and need a license, stop at either Dornan's Fly Shop adjacent to the Grand Teton National Park headquarters at Moose or at the Teton RV Park just east of the Moran Junction in Buffalo Valley.
Both are on the way if you are coming from Jackson.
The cost is $14.
00 per day for a non-resident or $105 per year including trout stamp.
BALD EAGLES This alpine lake is one of the great secrets of the wilderness.
It is a trip of a lifetime to experience the awesome beauty of this place.
Make sure to keep an eye on your catch at Lost Lake though, the Bald Eagles overhead are as interested in your fish as you are!