Northern Summit County

The lower Blue River basin is home to a couple of good paddleboard spots that are less than an hour downvalley from Silverthorne.  This sprawling ranchlands of the valley and rugged peaks of the Gore Range can make this area feel much further removed from the Summit ski resort towns than it really is.  

Lower Cataract Lake

Green Mountain Reservoir is the other large reservoir in Summit County.  With plenty of space and much lower visibility than the more popular Lake Dillon, it can be a quieter getaway on busy summer weekends.  Although Green Mountain is large, there are a few little nooks that are great for paddleboarding when the water level is high.  Lower Cataract Lake is only a few miles west of Green Mountain but entirely different in character.  The picturesque surroundings of the Gore Range foothills and the distant roar of the waterfall beyond put in the top tier of scenic paddleboard lakes.  

Green Mountain is a fairly large lake, so not every acre of the lake is inviting for paddleboards.  But the following areas offer some nice combinations of protection from wind and waves, scenery, and access.  The reservoir is encircled by Highway 9 on the east and County Road 30 (Heeney Road) on the west and north, which serve all accesses to the lake.  

Blue River Inlet [image: Google street view]

    Green Mountain Reservoir:

    Full elev = 7950

    Water level

    Weather

Blue River Inlet

The Blue River inlet forms the southern finger of the lake, which is probably the most protected area of this large lake.  The inlet is great for paddleboarding when the lake is full.  If the water drops too low, the scenic shorelines become a bathtub ring and the flat lake water becomes a river current.  Check current water levels here.  Access to the water is via McDonald Flats or Prairie Point Campgrounds, both of which have an $8 fee for day use.  Avoid putting in the lake upstream of these points as there is private property along the shores.  

Blue River Inlet

    Blue River Inlet: [key]

    Scenery: 3
    Shoreline Interest: 3
    Use: Moderate
    Fee: $8 day use
    Access: Paved/Gravel
    Full elev = 7950;
    Best near full

    Water level

    Weather






Mumford Gulch

This short but narrow finger of the lake is another good spot for paddleboards, protected from most wind directions.  It is a noticeable, steep dip in Highway 9 between two large road cuts.  The character of this area isn't substantially different when the water level drops.   This finger is best accessed from the Cow Creek South Campground, which does not have a fee for day use.  Be sure to park in an area designated day use area.  

Mumford Gulch [Image: Google Street View]

    Mumford Gulch: [key]

    Scenery: 2
    Shoreline Interest: 2
    Use: Moderate
    Fee: None for day use
    Access: Paved/Gravel

    Water level

    Weather

Dam Area

The northwest corner of the lake, near Green Mountain Dam, is a fairly open area of deep waters that are best when conditions are calm and motor boat traffic is light.  Otherwise, this area can be unpleasant or even dangerous on a paddleboard.  The draw to this area is forested backdrop of imposing Green Mountain and the Gore Range foothills.  When there is a light breeze from the predominant west/northwest direction is, this corner will have less wind exposure than the eastern edge of the lake.  Access is from the Big Green day use area, off the northern loop of the Heeney Road, or from Heeney Marina, where a handful shops are services are based.   

Green Mountain Dam Area: [key]

Scenery: 3
Shoreline Interest: 2
Use: Moderate
Fee: Varies
Access: Paved
Water level
Weather

Lower Cataract Lake

The eastern flank of the Gore Range has many pristine mountain lakes; most require a considerable effort to access.  Lower Cataract Lake is probably the most accessible, with a mere 900 foot walk from the nearby trailhead.  The trailhead is 2.5 miles up road 1725, which departs County Road 30 (Heeney Road) 5.3 miles from the south junction with Hwy. 9 [directions].  It's best to arrive early since the small lot can fill quickly and parking in prohibited on Road 1725.  If parking is full, there is plenty of space down the hill at Green Mountain.  Another option is to stay in the campground just below the lake.

Lower Cataract Lake

    Lower Cataract Lake: [key]

    Scenery: 5
    Shoreline Interest: 2
    Use: Mod-High
    Fee: None
    Access: Gravel
    Full elev = 8650; natural

    Rec. map

    Rec. info

    Weather

Lower Cataract Lake is very scenic and has a little bit of everything.  There are a few rocky outcrops, some forested shores, steep grassy banks with wildflowers, and an impressive waterfall beyond the lake.  The falls are plainly audible at the far end of the lake.  Despite its mountainous surroundings, many areas of the lake are surprisingly shallow, and there some to places to just anchor and enjoy!

Lower Cataract Lake

Nearby Hiking

The parking area at Lower Cataract Lake can seem quite busy on mid-summer days because it serves a number of great hiking routes.  In fact, five additional lakes can be conveniently accessed from the trails that originate here, some of which can be looped together.  For detailed hike information, check the forest service quicksheets on Surprise Lake (3.2 mi one-way), Eaglesmere Lake (3.6 mi OW), Tipperary Lake (4.5 mi. OW), Upper Cataract Lake (5.0 mi. OW) or Mirror Lake (6.3 mi. OW).  An easier, 2-mile loop can also be done around Lower Cataract Lake.   All of these options make a great early morning hike to precede a relaxing afternoon on the lake.  

There are many options to cobble together a great day in this corner of the Blue River Valley.  There are also plenty of lakeside camping sites, although an advanced reservation might be a good idea during peak season.  The wind can be a wild card, so check the hourly forecast and text detail to pick the best time window and lake area for the day.  Have fun, be safe, support local businesses and wear a PFD!