Crystal Lake–Hook Lake, 8 lakes
2.9 mi · ▲ 0 ft · 58 min
Crystal Lake–Hook Lake, 8 lakes is a 2.9-mile out-and-back near Pyatts, IL. The route passes Oak Lake, Ash Lake, Elm Lake and 4 more before reaching Crystal Lake at the turnaround, 1.5 miles in. It is mostly level, with 0 ft of elevation gain, and mostly dirt. It scores 73/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Crystal Lake–Hook Lake, 8 lakes
2.9 mi · ▲ 0 ft · 58 min
Elevation 425–463 ft
Out & Back
Trailhead: 38.01113, -89.43178
Weather Sep 21: sunrise 6:44 AM · sunset 7:00 PM
Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start at the trailhead, heading E.
- 50 ftPass Oak Lake.
- 50 ftPass Ash Lake.
- 50 ftPass Elm Lake.
- 0.6 miTurn right onto Lost Forty Trail, heading SE.
- 50 ftPass Marsh Lake.
- 0.4 miTurn right onto Split Lakes Tral, heading W.
- 50 ftPass Reed Lake.
- 50 ftPass Hook Lake.
- 50 ftPass Marsh Lake.
- 0.5 miReach Crystal Lake, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 0.5 miTurn left onto Lost Forty Trail, heading NE.
- 0.4 miTurn left, heading SW.
- 0.6 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 0.8 mi in (~19 min). Leave by 6:20 PM for the 7:00 PM sunset. Back at your car by 7:34 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp. Car visible from the viewpoint
Good to know
- Parking lot at the trailhead
More from this trailhead
- Pine Lake–Hook Lake, 9 lakes 4.2 mi · ▲ 0 ft
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