blackfoot-valley

For visitors, the main point of interest in the southern sector is, of course, the headquarters area, which includes guest accommodations of the “Hotel” and its grounds. This is the location where special events are held, as well as including the horse barn, cow barn, corrals, silo, bunkhouse, shops, and outbuildings. Most other places of special interest are found in the north- ern sector, the Wales Ranch. One focal point - a “must see” for all visitors - is Wales Ranch Reser- voir, usually called Wales Lake, a half-mile-long body of sapphire-blue water nestled in a hollow surrounded by forested hills. Lake elevation is 4,486 feet above sea level, some 130 feet higher than the “Big House.” The road wind- ing up through the forest from the old Wales cabin crosses the dam at one mile. A few hundred yards beyond is a perfect spot for picnics in a highly wooded grove with a magnificent view across the lake. Its beauty can be enjoyed through the spring, summer, and autumn months (and for the more ruggedly inclined, in winter, too). I mentioned earlier that this view is stun- ning in the fall (October) when the large patches of larch groves in the hills across the lake glow in their most brilliant gold, in contrast to the dark ever- greens around them. Fishing and boating can also be enjoyed at the lake. 158