Stake Lake is one of my favorite lakes.   It has good access and lots of parking.    There are rarely any fishermen or other paddlers on the lake.   The water is crystal clear.   But it is only 2.3 km around so I usually do 2 or 3 loops.   On other days I will paddle a loop, secure the boat, then go for a hike.

On a cool and breezy May morning I launched my boat for a paddle with no one else in sight.

The wind was gusting out of the south and it was forecast to become much windier in the afternoon.    I found it quite manageable, but it did hail twice.

While paddling I spotted loons geese (with goslings), ducks, and a woodpecker.I completed two laps around lake in about an hour before the stronger winds came in.    Of all the lakes I paddle, I return to Stake Lake the most so I will be back in late spring again.