Paddling Lower Saranac Lake: 08/17/2013

Looking across Lower Saranac Lake at Mount Baker and McKenzie Mountain

Without even realizing it, we made the decision to paddle Lower Saranac Lake while we were standing on the summit of Mount Baker earlier in the week. From the summit overlook it’s not necessarily the nearest or even the most prominent body of water, but its appeal for paddling is immediately obvious: numerous islands, miles of undeveloped shoreline, and easy access.

Plus, I’ve got some personal history with the Saranacs. My earliest introduction to the Adirondacks was as a camper (and then counselor) at a Boy Scout camp near Upper Saranac Lake. Canoe trips were a big part of the program, and for 10 summers straight I paddled the Saranacs, the Raquette River and the Saint Regis / Floodwood area on canoe trips up to a week long. So these waters are in my blood, so to speak.

Mt. Baker: 08/12/2013

Located just outside the village of Saranac Lake, Mount Baker is one of the shortest and easiest family hikes that we've done. It's so short that we wouldn't have driven all the way to Saranac just for this hike, but we are staying in Lake Placid for the week and Mount Baker fit perfectly for a half-day family hike. Don't let the easy rating fool you: the summit ledges offer excellent view of the mountains and lakes around Saranac Lake as well as the High Peaks beyond. At least two dozen summits are visible.

View of McKenzie Pond and the High Peaks beyond from Mt. Baker's summit ledges

Dewey Mountain XC, Saranac Lake: 02/25/2011

We had the chance for a quick overnight visit to the Lake Placid area, so after a semi-white knuckle drive through the tail end of Friday's snow storm, we arrived in time to head over to the Dewey Mountain cross-country ski center just outside of Saranac Lake for one of their Friday Night Ski Jams.