Larry’s Local Stories: Pinecrest Lake and Sword Lake

Sword Lake: A Summer Hike With an Unexpected Reward

As told by Larry

It was late August, and everywhere seemed hot. We headed to Sword Lake with lunch and a plan to swim.

The first ten minutes took us through burned forest. I remember thinking, “Oh my God, this isn’t so impressive.” Then the trail opened beside a little pond.

There were flowers, birds, and insects—so much life after the burned trees. Even that late in summer, flowers were blooming. It felt like a little world of its own.

We continued straight to Sword Lake. We ate lunch, swam in the clear water, and relaxed on the flat boulders. Then we swam again. Three or four times that day, we returned to the water.

If you enjoy hiking somewhere you can settle down for a few hours, you will understand why we stayed. For us, the lake was a place to spend the day, with time between swims to appreciate where we were.

We weren’t camping overnight, so eventually we headed back. Around sunset, a beautiful valley view suddenly stopped me.

“Oh my God, that’s amazing.”

I immediately reached for my phone. We had gone for a lake, but that unexpected view became another memory I brought home.

That is what I love about exploring the mountains around Strawberry. You choose your destination, but you never know which moment will stay with you.

Pinecrest Lake: Where I Would Start a Family Fishing Day

As told by Larry

When someone visits Strawberry for the first time, Pinecrest Lake is one of my first recommendations. I like how easy it is for a family to reach the water and spend a day together.

Fishing has been part of my life since childhood in the Czech Republic. My friend Peter and I spent many days—and nights—fishing together.

If I were introducing a child to fishing at Pinecrest, I would start on shore. Practice casting. Learn how the rod works. Explain what to do when a fish bites. Give them time to feel comfortable before trying a boat.

In my experience, mornings and evenings are good times to try during summer. I’ve seen people catching plenty of fish, although every day is different.

After fishing, I recommend a walk beside the lake and a stop at the dam. The canyon view is one of my favorite parts.

You don’t need to be an expert to begin enjoying fishing together. Start with the basics, leave time for a walk, and let the day become a family memory.

Caught in the Storm at Pinecrest Lake

A local fisherman’s unforgettable afternoon, as told by Larry

I went to Pinecrest that afternoon expecting to fish. I came home remembering how quickly everything had changed.

It was about four years ago, late in the season—October, I think. I had been fishing often that year and headed toward the dam through the forest. I hadn’t seen the storm warning. I later understood that access to the lake had been closed.

After my first cast, I noticed a huge black cloud across the lake. At first, I thought it would pass to one side. Within five or six minutes, it was getting closer.

Then came heavy rain, wind, and fog. Everything moved so fast.

I heard electrical crackling nearby. I remember seeing something that looked like a ball of energy, followed by a sudden flash and violent disturbance. I cannot explain exactly what I saw. What I remember clearly is how close it felt, and how frightened I was.

I grabbed my fishing rod and hurried toward Strawberry. Along the way, I heard crashing sounds that I believed were falling trees. Eventually, I reached my car and drove home.

And somehow, during that afternoon, I had caught one fish.

The fish is the detail that makes me laugh afterward. The storm is the reason I still remember the day.