Amphitheater Lake

The Amphitheatre Lake trail – part of the Forbidden Plateau trail network - is a quick, easy hike through the subalpine to the north of Circlet Lake. Taking only about 25 minutes to hike from Circlet Lake, this hike can easily be accomplished as part of a multi-hike day exploring the Forbidden Plateau trails. The lake itself is moderate in size, with a mud and sand bottom, and offers an escape from the comparatively-busy Circlet Lake. While some find it underwhelming, Circlet Lake makes for a lovely, peaceful lunch spot, and can be used for swimming on warmer days.

To access the trailhead from Circlet Lake Campground, follow the boardwalk around Circlet Lake until reaching the outflow. After crossing the outflowing stream in two places, look for rock cairns and a well-worn trail leading to the right. The trail itself has no flagging or markers, but is well traveled and easily navigable. After following this trail for roughly 15 minutes, there will be two large tarns on the right, followed by another on the left. Continue on for another 10 minutes, and complete the descent into Amphitheatre Lake. To return, simply follow the same trail back to the Circlet Lake campground.