Unfortunately the leeches became extinct after new fish varieties were thrown into the lake for uncontrolled reproduction purposes. Today these fish are the new landlords of the lake. Bear, wolf, fox and eagle are also surviving in this protection area. At first walking up and down the grass-covered hills to gaze at the lake from the bird’s-eye view may seem a bit exhausting but you will not be sorry. The hike takes about three hours or longer as desired. Before reaching the lake, if you take the turn from the clearing in the forest, after a walking about 45 minutes through the forest you will arrive at the hill on the western side of the lake, which is at the edge of a large plateau. Choose any of the paths and create your own tracking map. If you ask me, the most beautiful one is the way that leads to Çubuk Lake. Take the path to the west and you will arrive there in three hours. Along the way you can see ridges covered with grass and wildflowers, and gradually you come to realise that this dense and deep forest extends far beyond the shores of Sülüklügöl.

Text and photos: ALI IHSAN GÖKÇEN