Blue Marsh Lake - Stilling Basin

Hi Blog!

On Tuesday, May 19, 2020, we made our fifth visit to the Blue Marsh Lake Recreation Area. In our previous blogs, we discussed how Blue Marsh was created by damming the Tulpehocken Creek. However, in our prior visits, we had never hiked near the dam or actually seen Tulpehocken Creek. For this hike, we decided to park at the Visitor's Center and hike down to the base of the dam near Stilling Basin.

While the Visitor Center is closed for Covid-19, we could walk out on the observation deck to get a view of the top of the dam.

The trail down to the base of the dam led through a thickly forested area.

The trail is relatively new and can get pretty muddy and slick when it rains. There are warning signs to "use only when dry." Dave couldn't wait to finish this section so he could quench his thirst!

Stilling Basin gives bait fisherman a chance to access Tulpehocken Creek as it comes out from the base of the dam. Once the Tulpehocken reaches its historic banks, it becomes a Special Regulation Trout Stream with delayed harvest and artificial lures only.

With all the rain this spring, the spillway was a raging torrent.

After watching the fishermen for a while, we decided to hike over to the boat launch on the opposite side of the lake. Along the way, we noticed a number of bird houses. We thought the twin house design was interesting. Apparently, the satin flycatchers like having neighbors. If you look closely, you can see one poking its head from the right box.

Much of our hike was spent on the old roads that once criss-crossed this valley. Much of the asphalt has turned to gravel. However, there were a few sections where we could still see the yellow line.

Blue Marsh Lake has more arms than an octopus. We followed one arm around and it was capped off with a large earthen berm. It was hard to call it a dam since the water was a quarter mile away.

As we made our way around the lake, we noticed remnants of an old road. We followed it until it disappeared under the lake. The quiet little cove would make a great paddle destination.

Once we arrived at the boat launch, we enjoyed a socially distant picnic lunch. The nearest picnickers were 100 yards away. We watched car after car weave its way around the boat launch parking lot and continue on their scenic drive around the lake.

On our return hike, we could often hear the fishermen talking below us. Every once in a while, we came to a clearing and could see them plying their trade.

Before leaving the lake, we took a break along the shoreline next to the dam. 

On our way back to the trailhead, we got a completely different view of the spillway.

As the weather improves, we hope to come back to Stilling Basin and try our luck with the rod and fly. Until then, stay safe my friends.