Spud (Potato) Lake
Aliases: Potato Lake
Spud Lake is a small lake at the end of a one-mile hike from Old Lime Road. The trail to the lake passes through excellent forest; species like Olive-sided Flycatcher, Pine Grosbeak, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, and Wilson’s Warbler can be seen. Black Swifts sometimes hawk for insects overhead, and, if you are really lucky, you may stumble across a Northern Goshawk. There is also ample evidence of beaver. The small, lily filled pond across from the parking area for the trail sometimes has some waterbirds on it, including Pied-billed Grebe and dabbling ducks. High-elevation butterflies can be common during the warmer months with species like Chryxus Arctic, Northern Blue, and Purplish Fritillary, among others.
Restrictions: Road closed during the colder months
County: San Juan
Directions: On US 550 about three miles past Purgatory Resort and just after the first sweeping switchback is the southern end of Old Lime Creek Road. Turn right (east) here and travel about three miles to parking area at the trailhead for the lake. It is not well marked, but look for the lily pad covered pond on the right and the trailhead will be on the left. There are usually vehicles parked here.
Alternate Directions: From Silverton, drive south on US550 for 19 miles to Old Lime Creek Road, on the left. Drive just under 3 miles to the trailhead, on the left.
Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Aspen Grove, Mixed Conifer Forest, Spruce-Fir Forest, Streamside Willow
Dates of Access: Open all year, although snowshoes may be necessary in winter
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Gravel parking area
Lodging: Primitive camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: None
Delorme: 76 C3
ROC: 131 D2
Latitude: 37.65277209956790
Longitude: -107.7734887
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L3795204