The first view of Heart Lake is a breathtaking view of not only the lake, but also of Mt. Sheridan, Witch Creek, the Heart Lake Geyser Basin, and the mountains of the Two Ocean Plateau and Big Game Ridge in the distance. The distance is deceiving - it's still two more miles down from Paycheck Pass by Witch Creek to the patrol cabin by the Lake.

It's obvious that the big fires swept through this region, but it's recovering rapidly, with head-high pines greening the landscape in every direction.

As you wander down the ridge from Paycheck Pass, you pass an increasing number of thermal features. The north and west end of Heart Lake has a lot of thermal activity, making it a popular overnight destination. Most visitors stay in one of the campsites on the west side of the lake near the trailhead for the climb to the top of Mt. Sheridan.

It's hard to believe that in this high country that is right on the Continental Divide, that you can backpack for over 55 miles and the climb in the top photo is the biggest of the entire hike. That's right - if you start far to the east on the Thorofare trail that heads south along the eastern shore of Yellowstone Lake, you'll only climb a few hundred feet as you loop around the southern end of the Lake and then cross over the Continental Divide on the way to Heart Lake. Many backpackers that travel to the Thorofare pass up the flat, dusty Thorofare trail section on the eastern shore by catching the shuttle boat from the Bridge Bay Marina, having it drop them off down on the Southeastern Arm of the Lake.