![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/richardk.smugmug.com/Nature/Brainerd-Lake-2011-09-05/i-2ShzBng/0/M/DSC05350-M.jpg)
We waded the horse crossing about 30 feet downstream of the former bridge. In the morning the water was about 18 inches deep and maybe 2 feet in the afternoon. I was surprised at the force of water no deeper than that. You had to be careful to maintain balance. I learned a new respect for hydraulics.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/richardk.smugmug.com/Nature/Brainerd-Lake-2011-09-05/i-qvZHXMn/0/L/DSC05361-L.jpg)
A view of the canyon headwall which is ascended via an endless series of steep switchbacks.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/richardk.smugmug.com/Nature/Brainerd-Lake-2011-09-05/i-wrQ6QPv/0/L/Pano53515354-L.jpg)
Looking at the canyon from the switchbacks.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/richardk.smugmug.com/Nature/Brainerd-Lake-2011-09-05/i-cpwzdkq/0/L/Pano54645469-L.jpg)
The reward above the headwall is a stunning view of the Palisades.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/richardk.smugmug.com/Nature/Brainerd-Lake-2011-09-05/i-V49WJwP/0/L/Pano53905397-L.jpg)
We have been somewhere in the Sierras most Labor Days for 14 years. The Willow Lake area was the only place where we have ever seen a mosquito. Bring Deet.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/richardk.smugmug.com/Nature/Brainerd-Lake-2011-09-05/i-ZN7jLkz/0/L/DSC05400a-L.jpg)
The trail passes an unnamed pond that is on the topo map and another that is not.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/richardk.smugmug.com/Nature/Brainerd-Lake-2011-09-05/i-P23LJQS/0/L/Pano54135415-L.jpg)
The second pond was teeming with tadpoles. There were hundreds.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/richardk.smugmug.com/Nature/Brainerd-Lake-2011-09-05/i-kv3w9QN/0/L/DSC05457a-L.jpg)
Amazing scenery at every turn.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/richardk.smugmug.com/Nature/Brainerd-Lake-2011-09-05/i-rp749JK/0/L/Pano54495452-L.jpg)
Brainerd Lake.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/richardk.smugmug.com/Nature/Brainerd-Lake-2011-09-05/i-pVrD86s/0/L/Pano54225431-L.jpg)
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/richardk.smugmug.com/Nature/Brainerd-Lake-2011-09-05/i-FHCVjtQ/0/L/DSC05437-L.jpg)
The lake was full of trout.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/richardk.smugmug.com/Nature/Brainerd-Lake-2011-09-05/i-WTdX5PR/0/O/DSC05418a.jpg)
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/richardk.smugmug.com/Nature/Brainerd-Lake-2011-09-05/i-PXg324W/0/O/DSC05419a.jpg)
Happy hikers at the lake shore.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/richardk.smugmug.com/Nature/Brainerd-Lake-2011-09-05/i-XRBPsnD/0/L/DSC05443-L.jpg)