First Trip Report - Marble Mountain Wild erness

“OK, here is my first trip report - Three nights in the Marble Mountain Wilderness of northern California!
Photos can be found here:http://community.webshots.com/album/200859414qpBJhJ
We had envisioned going to the South Warner Wilderness, but had concerns about the availability of water so we headed up from Sacramento on Sunday afternoon, spent the night outside Mt. Shasta City and hit Lovers Camp TH on the Klamath NF Monday morning. Our first day was spent getting me, Mrs. Foamfinger and the boys(Bodie and Bob, our two Vizslas) to Sky High Valley. There were three cars in the parking lot, two of which were owned by four hunters that appeared before we departed; we met the fifth hunter and owner of the last car about 1/2 mile in on the Canyon Creek Trail. We met the hunter's packers on the "Marble Staircase" and two other hikers along the way - these were the last folks we saw for 3 days. Ran into cattle at Sky High Valley, but spent the first night at Lower Sky High Lake. The surrounding glacial bowl was amazing.

Day 2, we had envisioned hiking over to Marble Valley and over Marble Gap to Rainy Lake, but by the time we reached the Marble Valley trail I knew I didn't feel up to the vertical hike up Marble Gap, so we improvised and stayed on the Marble Rim Trail and wound our way to Rainy Lake from the west side. The view from Marble Rim was impressive but intimidating, as there is a shear drop of over 1000 feet.
On Day 3 I still didn't feel up to tackling Marble Gap, so we backtracked along the Marble Rim Trail and PCT to Shadow Lake. Shadow Lake is a very picturesque little lake overlooking Sky high Valley, some 650' below. I managed to break my Sweetwater filter while pumping water at Shadow Lake (actually broke the plastic plunger in the pump, so now I have a reasion to get a new filter!!) We had enough fuel and Potable Aqua tabs to prep water for the following day. Spent a great and quiet evening at Shadow Lake.
Our last day was a wonderfully easy downhill hike along Red Rock Valley to the TH. There was still some fall color in the aspens and cottonwoods along the way, plus we had the honor of being visited by a low-flying Bald Eagle on the way out. The trip was capped off by the presence of gloriously ice-cold Sierra Nevada Pale Ales in our cooler at the TH.! (I love that cooler!!)
All in all, the trip was a great success. The weather (70's midday), water (abundant) and hunters(none) were perfect! Although we parked at one of the most heavily used TH's, we saw virtually nobody due to the late-season timing. We will certainly be back for more in the furure!
last edited: 10/16/04 11:39:37 PM”

“Pretty shots and great dogs!”

“Great report and pictures...your timing sounds perfect, it can be a real zoo during the peak of hunting season and you missed ,unfortunately perhaps ;-), the gathering of the cavers.”

“Nice area, I was in the area a couple of weeks ago, went up Mt. Shasta, and also went over to Etna Mt. area and hiked on the P.C.T. The weather was great, and the views are forever.”

“Thanks for sharing. I like the pic of the pooch on the end of the almost submerged log to get a drink. Too cute!”

“Nice trip report! What a treat to see a Bald Eagle! How long did it get to go from Mt Shasta City to the Trailhead? That sounds like an area worth exploring.”

“I love your beautiful pictures foamfinger!

That is a really a beautiful area

I have backpacked in the Trinity Alps years ago..but never have been where you were.
Yes I too love the doggie pictures! they are both very cute.
I love the pictures of the marble rim.

Thank you for sharing them and your trip report!”

“Pepperdog, we spent the night outside Mt Shasta City because we got a late start and wanted to set up camp before it was pitch black. To reach the trailhead you actually need to get up to Yreka (~4 hours from Sacramento), then head west another 50-60 minutes on Hwy 3 and Scott River Rd.

Thanks for the kind words about the dogs everybody. We noticed there were more pictures of them than the scenery when we got home!”

“Gorgeous dogs. I'm surprised I haven't heard of that breed before.”

“Why are you called foamfinger?”