Mid-June Rae Lakes Camping/Snow?

“Mid-June I'm taking a break to hike a few miles into the Rae Lakes loop for 2 nights of camping in solitude.

Initially I was going to hit Upper Paradise Valley but since I've been to Mist Falls numerous time figured it would be more interesting hiking counter-clockwise, and spending a few nights near Charlotte Creek. I spoke with rangers today who told me they are one month behind with the snow melt, and that they expect snow to be melting around mid June, the time I'll be going. She also mentioned I would possibly have to re-route and head off course to get around the floods since the streams have changed course.

Do you guys think this would be risky? I'm really just looking for a beautiful camping spot near the creek, preferably it would have dry wood to burn a fire at nights. My only concern is getting there with the melting snow/streams...

With that said, do you recommend any other beautiful camping spot in the Sierras no further than 10 miles?”

“I think there will be alot of snow over Glen Pass and it is pretty steep on the south side. Good luck finding dry firewood, may have better luck going thru the Paradise Valley cg's, although going up towards Vidette Meadow would be pretty, bring crampons. I've only done the loop once a few years ago from the east side. The Rangers ought to know what the snow is like. No alternate suggestions at this time.”

“Too bad you can't get an answer. Try a backpacking site like www.highsierratopix.com.

You can't have a campfire at Rae Lakes anyway and I haven't heard it was a place to go for solitude. You need to be looking for someplace below 8000' to avoid the snow. And why does everybody think of the national parks first when there are probably a thousand spots that would work and be less hassle? The Sierras are huge and you should get a suggestion for the part closest to where you are. I'd like to help but I'm still exploring the Sierras myself

If you do this trip, there are a few of us that would enjoy a trip report. Good luck.”

“The hassle is necessary to avoid the public/tourists, definitely worth it. Fires are allowed almost anywhere in the loop below 10,000 ft, only concern is snow. Thanks though, will most likely be hitting it counter-clockwise and will give you a report.”

“And pictures...NEVER forget the pictures!!!”