The Pool is a turbulent water pocket formed below the confluences of Spruce and Fern Creeks with the Big Thompson River. This trail is normally accessible for hiking, year-round. During the summer, the trail begins at the end of the Moraine Park Road, at the Fern Lake Trailhead. The winter route follows the gravel portion of the end of Moraine Park Road, from the winter road closure, just past the Cub Lake Trailhead, to the Fern Lake Trailhead, where it narrows to a trail. While hiking this relatively flat trail along the Big Thompson River, look for beaver-cut aspen, frozen waterfalls on the cliffs in winter, and the Arch Rocks.

This hike may be combined with the Cub Lake Trail for a six mile loop by taking a connecting trail southeast from The Pool, back toward Cub Lake. During the winter months, this section of trail and the area around Cub Lake may hold deep snow and ice and may require the use of skis or snowshoes.

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