After checking out the falls I headed back to my loop route (and now getting to regain the elevation lost on the descent to the falls)

Crossing the creek I had paralleled on the trip down to the falls.

On past trips, this piece of Chilnualna Creek was almost impassable. Just a rock hop today, though I did manage to slip and end up with a wet left foot.

Chilnualna Creek just a trickle at this point.

Back to the main trail, now heading east toward the series of high country lakes south of Buena Vista.

These orange butterflies were very very common along the trail today.

The terrain got swampy as I approached Crecent Lake. (Passed a solo backpacker here, who was the last person I'd see today)

Thicket of blueberry bushes on the north shore of Crescent Lake. No berries this early in the season.

Looking south over Crecent Lake