By Crystal R. Albers

calbers@torringtontelegram.com

SUNDANCE – Nestled in the historic Black Hills National Forest, amongst tall pine trees and wide meadows, one will find Cook Lake Recreation Area. Offering seasonal activities including camping, day hiking, picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating (non-motorized), and ice fishing and skating in the winter, residents may consider a day at Cook Lake to be well worth the three-and-a-half hour jaunt from Torrington for a weekend getaway.

The 200-plus mile trip to Cook Lake is driven almost entirely north on U.S. Highway 85. Once day-trippers arrive in Sundance, signs will direct you approximately 20 miles into the hills, on winding and rocky roads, until the inviting body of water comes into view.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s website (www.fs.usda.gov.com), dictates specific directions as follows: “From Sundance, WY, take US 14 west or exit 185 off Interstate 90 to US 14 west, for 1.4 miles to Cook Lake Recreation Area sign at Forest Route 838. Turn right onto FR 838 and go 12.9 miles to FR 843. Turn right and go 5.4 miles to another Cook Lake Recreation Area sign on FR 842. Turn left and go 1.1 miles to campground.”

Cook Lake features 32 campsites and 33 picnic sites, complete with grills, tables – and some restrooms. Trout, catfish and sunfish swim the waters, which are easily reached via a wheelchair-accessible pier and plenty of carry-down access for small watercraft. There are also about four miles of hiking and bicycling trails available at the recreation area, plus a potential trek to Warren Peak Lookout Tower.

“The Cook Lake Trail is an easy 1.5 mile loop trail with some stairs and a stepping-stone crossing of Beaver Creek,” the Forest Service website explains. “The trail circles the lake, and there are many opportunities to see various types of ducks and geese along with osprey, blue heron, and bald eagles. In the water along the shore, very large fish called white amur are often seen. These hybrid fish are distant relatives of carp and were introduced into the lake about 15 years ago to help control aquatic vegetation. Difficulty Rating: Easy.

“The Cliff Swallow Trail is a 3.7 mile loop trail. Cliff swallows nest in the limestone bluffs above Beaver Creek. Look for gourd-shaped mud nests in the rock out-croppings below the ridge. Other wildlife commonly seen along the trail include white-tailed deer, elk, and turkey. Along Beaver Creek, watch for blue herons, beaver, and water dippers. High above, turkey vultures are often seen riding the thermal drafts. Difficulty Rating: Moderate.”

Fees are $10/night from mid-Sept to mid-May; mid-May to mid-Sept – $24/night pull-in or $24/night for walk-ins; $2/pet fee; $6/day for day-use activities.