Bloomington Lake arrives quickly after the trail begins, but it does not look like a quick-stop destination. Clear water stretches toward tall rock walls at the far end, with enough shoreline activity on a warm day to make the lake feel like a small mountain playground.
The walk from the parking area is generally about a half-mile to 0.8 miles one way. Families, children, and youth groups commonly make the trip, and the distance is friendly enough for an outing that leaves plenty of time for the lake itself.
It is not a paved stroll. The route starts with a steeper uphill section and includes rocks, roots, and short inclines, though it is groomed in places. Sturdy shoes and a little patience with uneven footing go a long way.
Small waters before the main event
The approach gives you a few early rewards. Within the first several minutes, the trail passes a small pond or lake, followed by another smaller body of water before Bloomington Lake comes into view.
That sequence helps the hike unfold naturally. The smaller waters are a chance to pause, let children investigate the scenery, or simply appreciate that this is more than a straight march from parking lot to shoreline.
Then the main lake opens up, with the rock walls across the water providing the dramatic finish. It is an easy place to settle in for a while rather than turn around immediately after reaching the destination.
A lake built for getting in the water
Swimming is a central pastime here, though Bloomington Lake is mountain-cold even in summer. A quick plunge, a float near shore, or a little water play may sound better than an all-afternoon warm-water swim.
Inflatable rafts, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards all show up at the lake. The short hike means visitors can bring along gear that would be impractical on a longer backcountry route, although getting it over the rocky sections still takes a bit of effort.
Fishing adds a quieter option for anyone who prefers the shoreline to the swim zone. With paddlers crossing the lake, swimmers near the edges, and people finding places to sit, the water supports several different versions of a mountain day.
The rope swing crowd
Along one side of the lake, a rope swing has become one of Bloomington Lake's most recognizable features. When it is available, visitors often take turns, and a line can form as each person works up the nerve for a cold-water launch.
The lake also has areas where people have jumped from the cliffs across the water, but this is not casual, consequence-free play. Submerged boulders occur near parts of the shoreline, and both jumping and rope-swing use carry obvious impact and water hazards.
For many groups, watching the action can be entertaining enough. A chair, a snack, and a good spot near the water may be the more relaxed way to spend an afternoon here.
Room to spread out, within reason
There are spots around the lake for chairs and a day bag, though flat picnic space can be limited. On busy warm-weather days, the shoreline can feel more crowded when swimmers, paddlers, and rope-swing turns are all competing for the same appealing patches of water.
The trailhead is useful for getting organized before the walk. Restrooms and picnic tables are available in the parking area, giving visitors a place to regroup, change footwear, or have a bite before heading uphill.
Season changes the look of the trip. Autumn can bring colorful leaves along the route, while earlier visits may find snow still on the ground. In suitable snowy conditions, some visitors have even slid down snow into the lake—another reminder that the water is not likely to be balmy.
The drive is the serious part of the outing
The hike may be short, but reaching it is a mountain-road commitment. The drive climbs for several miles from the turnoff and includes dirt-road stretches with rocks, ruts, and narrow places where vehicles may need to pull over for one another.
Some lower-clearance vehicles have made it to the parking area, but the road is repeatedly rough enough that a reliable vehicle with ample clearance is the sensible choice. Conditions can change with weather and season, so the drive deserves as much planning as the hike.
A day-use collection point has been located shortly before the parking lot, and a per-vehicle fee may apply. Current fees and payment details are worth checking before the trip.
Cell service can disappear for much of the drive and remain unavailable at the lake. Water, snacks, suitable hiking clothes, and a plan made before leaving pavement are useful to have on hand, especially when a half-mile walk sits at the end of a long mountain approach.