Chapel Falls & Mosquito Beach Loop Trail

The trip begins at the parking lot or trailhead 3 miles inland from Chapel Rock. The first three miles of the trail are pretty much flat and is a very easy hike. At the two-mile mark, you will see scenic overviews of Chapel Lake and Chapel Falls providing great photo opportunities. About 1/4 mile after this overlook you can go down in the creekside that leads to the falls and get down in there and take some long exposures of the miniature waterfalls. 1 mile past this you will reach Chapel Rock, which is a ginormous rock that has been eroded into its own little island and a lone tree sits a top of it. This area has a beach that reaches about a 1/4 mile and many people stop here to eat since it is a nice stopping point.

From here you hike 3 miles along the lakeshore 200-300+ feet above the water which is a little more difficult, changing elevation frequently throughout. Along this hike, there are some EPIC views for miles and it provides amazing opportunities for landscape photographers. The views here in the fall are especially beautiful. Once you hike the 3 miles you reach Mosquito Beach, which is not your typical beach with sand but rather with rock. When the water is low, many people walk out on the "beach" and take a nice little break and enjoy the cool water on their feet. Be careful though because you can see the rock drop off about 100 feet out into the water. The water drops out as well dropping 100+ feet it seems. From this area, you are only about 2.5-3 miles away again from the parking lot ending the loop. This area of the trail is difficult at times since fatigue sets in and there are some miniature uphill climbs.

I hope you enjoy this hike as much as I did!!

Note: Dogs are not permitted on this trail per the National Park Service.