Cowley State Fishing Lake & Waterfall

Visited on: Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Departed: November 8, 2023
Cost: Free

After feeling rather gloomy in the fog and visiting my child at home to discover a fully grown tree, which did not exist when I was a child, I was ready for something different.

The weather cleared up, and it became a perfect full day. I headed to spend some time on a short hike to a waterfall and camping next to a gorgeous little lake.

I mean, really, can you imagine a better place to work than this?

A person sits on a foldable chair, working on a laptop by a serene lake with autumn foliage. Bare trees and vibrant red and orange leaves surround the area. The clear blue sky reflects on the water, and distant shoreline is visible under the soft late afternoon light.

It was a short little hike to the waterfall, and by the waterfall, I mean where water would be falling, was it not completely dry. Obviously, this waterfall would be more interesting in the spring.

A rocky canyon with layered sedimentary rock formations. The foreground shows dry vegetation and loose stones. Sunlight illuminates the reddish and gray rock layers. Sparse trees and bushes line the top edge under a clear blue sky. Leaves and debris cover the ground.
A rocky, sunlit quarry with exposed layers of earth and stone in autumn. The foreground features a large rock with tree shadows, while the background shows sparse trees with brown and green foliage under a clear blue sky. Fallen leaves and rocky debris cover the ground.
A rocky cliff face with distinct horizontal layers of beige and reddish-brown rock is shown. Fallen leaves cover the ground, and trees with sparse autumn foliage are visible atop the cliff, set against a clear blue sky.

Undecided by the lack of water, the day was beautiful, and I decided I needed to snap some pictures in this gorgeous light in such a spectacular setting.

A serene lake under a clear blue sky, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage. Vibrant red leaves are in the foreground, while golden and green leaves are seen along the lake's edge. The water is calm, reflecting the distant treeline and the bright sky.
A tranquil lakeside scene at sunset, with a folding chair on a rocky shoreline. Stairs lead to the water, surrounded by autumnal trees with red and orange leaves. The lake reflects the clear blue sky, and a distant wooded shoreline is visible across the water.
A serene lakeside scene with trees displaying autumn colors, including red and orange leaves, framing the view. The calm water reflects the clear blue sky, and the horizon is lined with bare trees. The lighting suggests late afternoon or early evening.
A weathered metal staircase ascends a rocky hill, surrounded by dry grass and red foliage. Leafless trees with autumn-colored leaves stand against a clear sky, adding a rustic, serene atmosphere to the scene.

As the sun headed to the horizon, I climbed down the staircase to get close to the water and catch this photo of the setting sun.

A serene lake at sunset with a clear sky transitioning from blue to orange. The sun is setting on the horizon, casting reflections on the calm water. The shoreline is lined with rocks and sparse trees with autumn foliage. The distant landscape is dimly visible in silhouette.

When I climbed back up the staircase, a bird decided to fly right across the lake as I had my camera in my hand. As they say, the best camera in the world is the one with you.

A serene lake reflects the clear sky during sunset, with trees lining the distant shore. Two birds fly low over the calm water. The foreground features dry grasses and a rocky shoreline. The sky transitions from soft orange to deep blue, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

I really wish every day camping could be like this one. Perfect weather. Perfect light. And a beautiful setting.

Tranquil lake at sunset with a calm water surface reflecting the orange and blue gradient sky. Bare and autumn-colored trees line the shore, with red and brown foliage in the foreground. A staircase descends to the lower right, leading towards the peaceful scene.
A serene lakeside scene in autumn, with a calm lake reflecting a clear sky. On the bank, vibrant orange and red foliage adorns the trees. In the foreground, a chair faces the water, surrounded by dry grass and fallen leaves, creating a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere.
A serene lakeside scene during autumn, with two leafless trees and a few with golden and red leaves framing the view. The calm lake reflects the clear blue sky, and a foldable chair is set near the water's edge amidst dry grass and foliage.
A calm lake with a clear blue sky reflecting on its surface is surrounded by autumn foliage. Trees with orange and red leaves frame the foreground, with red leaves prominent in the bottom right. The background shows a distant line of trees along the horizon.
A small, gray teardrop trailer with black stripes is parked near a lake, surrounded by autumn trees with vibrant orange leaves. A bicycle is mounted on the roof rack. The setting sun casts a warm glow, and a jeep is partially visible to the left of the trailer.
A teardrop trailer with a bicycle mounted on top is parked near Cowley State Fishing Lake. The background features a tree with vibrant orange autumn leaves. The trailer has a hitch and attached supplies, including a red gas can and a cooler. The setting sun casts a warm glow on the scene.
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