I'm rating this a five based on the incredible fishing action, the scenery and fun time my father and I had getting into the lake!

We headed to Milk Lake Saturday, while camping on the Little Naches road. To those who don't know. The Milk Lake Road (FS1708 off of highway 410) was just opened last fall. Prior to that, it had been closed due to a washout for at least five years or longer. The first 5.7 miles are a breeze, except one spot. There is one washout, with a small creek running through it. This spot is quite rocky, and steep... A car would not make it across. I barely made it across in my 4Runner without scraping the undercarriage.

After 5.7 Miles the road T's. If you stay right, this will take you to Milk Lake. And just a small bit of advice, this part of the road is now considered a jeep road. There is a sign saying "non maintained road." After which, are about five berms that the Forest Service was kind enough to put in (sarcasm). A car will not clear these berms, period. I creeped over them at an extremely slow pace. After the berms, are a few fairly steep drop offs, nothing which a stock truck or SUV couldn't handle using caution and a spotter.

And then...... You get to the last half of the trail, and there is a sheer drop off that only could be handled in a modified vehicle with a lift kit, lockers, etc. We talked to one jeeper who nearly buried his vehicle trying to get down this hill -- and his vehicle was built for four wheeling. I repeat, do not go down this hill in a stock vehicle. You will do damage. It is much easier to pull off to the side of the road, and walk the last half mile.

The lake is beautiful, and with very limited access over the last many years is in great shape. I saw no litter, and better yet, the lake is still quite secluded. We saw one jeep while we were fishing.

Additionally, due to limited pressure on this lake, it is THRIVING with hungry Brook Trout. Night Crawlers with a power egg (pink), was the trick. We literally had bites as soon as the bait hit the bottom on every cast. We limited out in an hour! Fish weren't huge by any means, (8 to 11 inches), but they sure tasted good breaded and cooked in butter around the campfire that evening. This is a beautiful lake, with many beautiful fish. I highly recommend it!

Beerman

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