Weekend Trinity,Tahoe, or SeKi Hike Part ners?

“It's Spring, and the weather's getting pretty nice. I'd like to get out for some early hikes, and backpack in for a weekend in any of the above, and I'd like to do it with company. TTr's are my first and only post for this, so if you're in the S.F. Bay Area, or close enogh to have interest, my email's in my profile... send me something tangible... like your sister.”

“Well Obi, I can tell you that the Trinities aren't ready yet. I was out most of the weekend and the snow is about two weeks behind what it was last year at this time. Last year on the 2nd I drove to Swift Cr TH, walked another mile in before I needed snow shoes. Today you can't get within a mile of the TH. Coffee Creek Rd is open as far as the N. Fk and only because they are logging along the road. Any Th I could get to, the trail was under snow within a mile.
The snow is the worst I have ever seen it, no ice layers and no bottom. You can't get around without snowshoes.
However I will be going up Long Canyon and over to Summit Lake for the weekend of the 27-29 of Apr. if you would like to go, or any others out there.”

“Hey Obi, let me know if you want to head to Tahoe area, or anywhere out I80 or Rte 50 (I'm in Sacramento area). I have my favorite spots, but will go anywhere. Like to bring my son along, he's age 14, 145 lbs, great shape, definitely holds his own. Already had him out on a # of multi-day treks, winter treks, etc. I love Desolation Wilderness before the crowds get there, know a lot of pretty good trails off Bowman Lake Rd at I80 near Emigrant Gap... Tahoe Rim trail ain't too bad either. I also want to go up north to the Trinities later in the year when they're ready...Oh, and if you ever want to head up the coast to Lost Coast Trail or Pt. Reyes let me know! So many places to go, so little time...”

“TT, thanks for the update... I figured the snow was gonna be an obstacle for a while, but when the melt occurs, I'd like to head up your way. If you're game, I am too. And since I haven't hike the area - nor Desolation, Wanderer, I'm open to your suggestions as to which area, trail, etc., you'd like to try.

I keep hearing from some of my friends, too, that Desolation is full of great hikes, Wandered, and I welcome to company. In fact, I haven't hiked any of the areas you mentioned, so if you're heading out to one of them, let me know when, and we'll work something out, for sure!

Thanks!”

“Hey TT that's amazing about the snow down there. I'm hearing that just North of the border things are a lot different. Heck, Mt. Ashland is closed now. That's 7000' with no snow!

Any idea on how the Marbles are looking?”

“Hey Obi, TT, wanderer, and CC (and any of you other Frisco area ppl) shoot me an email so's I have y'all in my e-addy book. I'm moving to Frisco the first week of August and would like some input on where to go. Good comp'ny is a bonus as well. E me at cayak@bellsouth.net, I'm X'in this one seeing as how I don't use it anymore. (Sorry Matt, I still luvs ya tho.)”

“Hey there TT, long time no see. I have been snowshoeing over here on the coast. We still have snow at the 4500ft level horse mountain. Drifts are still to deep four the 4x4 on the main road. Snowshoeing still good on the shady side of the hill.”

“Hey Alps, thanks for the information. I forget where you live, but I want to say Eureka. Is that right? Anyway, I was curious where Horse Mountain is, say in relation to the Siskiyou Wilderness.

I've been hearing all winter that most of the storm track has been heading just south of the Oregon border. For example, I understand the Mount Shasta ski areas had much more snow than Mt. Ashland, and they're not that far apart in distance or elevation.

I'll be headed down that way again this summer for a couple trips. That may prove to be an especially good strategy this year if the drought causes restrictions up here in the PNW.”

“Hi Alpine, I am in Mckinleyville, 10 miles north of Eureka.
Horse mountain is just off 299 heading east from the coast. It's only a 45 minute drive from my house so I can go often. It's not a resort just a close place to play.”

“Hey kids. I am in the Sacto area and am always up for adventure. Lemme know if you get something rolling and let's have a West Coast gathering. Yee haw!!!”

“Naked, welcome to God's Country...I'll get you an email & copy Obi & roseymonster so maybe we can get something planned. FYI, since you're moving here, the natives HATE it when the tourists refer to their city as "Frisco", it's one of the ways you're identified!!!”

“Rosey...there's no email listed for you, we can't get you in on the planning if we can't contact you. Yee haw!”

“China, was over in the Marbles last weekend, didn't get to deep into them but it seemed much the same. The good news is that it has gotten cold again and things are freezing, in fact it snowed. Not much but its better that the 75-80s that we had last week. Word is that this weekend we are to get snow again.
Alps, gad to see you're down in the lower 48, maybe we can get together, mails the same write me.
Anyone who wants info on the Trinities just ask, there are only few who know them as well.”

“That's a big fat 10-4 wanderer! Note to self: never use the word "Frisco" anymore! Thanx man, I do wanna fit in I guess (uh, 'cept mebbe not the "homo capitol of the world" part, hehe).

Ye Haw is right rosey, glad you're in that area too. Look forward to meeting you all and hikin in "God's country"!! We'll get something planned for the fall! Don't forget to e me y'all!”

“If you really want to made a hit, remember SF is in CENTERAL California, North CA starts well above Santa Rosa.”

“I went to Frisco the other day. Had to drive 6 hours South to get there. Nice place to visit.
I have been getting in alot of walking but I hurt my back in Alaska and the Doc says that I can't shoulder my pack for a few weeks.
I've been BPing with TT and he knows the Trinity Alps better than most know there own backyards. His Search and Rescue experience makes for pretty interesting conversations too.”

“Hey Naked, go ahead and add me to your address book.

cdevoe@teleport.com

San Fran, Frisco, who cares. Wouldn't catch me livin' in Californication anyway. :) I'm in the Portland, Oregon area. Of course I would consider being a resident of Jefferson if that ever happened. ;)

TT - I can't make the trip at the end of April. Son's birthday takes priority and the following weekend we're doing the Wallows in NE Oregon. However, let's do get something going for the summer. I make it down that way at least a couple of times a year.

Alps as soon as you get that back fixed, it'd be great to put down some miles again.”

“Folks, while I'm a native San Franciscan I do realize that the City by the Bay is a cesspool of freaks and nuts. The Bay Area sometimes seems like it's enclosed by a bubble that they can't see out of, the blinders are on you might say, the attitude tends to be one of arrogance and close mindedness, I was more than happy to vacate to an area of a little more, not much though, sanity of Sacramento. However, California is California, ya gotta take the bad with the good. Oh and never refer to San Francisco as "Frisco".

For those interested, I've got several NorCal trips planned through August culminating in an 11-day trip in the Marbles in August. If anyone wants any info, I'm at summit@gene.com.”

“Hey Dunk, I'm always interested. 11 days in the Marbles?! That's just about enough time to walk every trail. ;) What routes are you looking at?”

“Hello everyone, I just recently found this group and live in Northern California and spend most of my hiking time in the Marbles.

ChinaChas I don't think you could even do justice to the Salmon River District of the Marbles in 11 days, but it would be fun to try.

Anyway, I live in Chico and am always looking for good trail company.”

“COunt me in on the action, tho I've been starting a docent program at Sutter's Fort that will take up some of my time for a while. You can contact me at: jnewcom@water-ed.org

Peace out!”

“CC, I'm goin in with Wrongway and we're starting at Elk Creek and going up Granite Creek to Ukonom Lk, from Ukonom we'll head to Secret Lk before heading east along the Salmon Mtns spine and taking in the Marble Rim. Time permitting, we'll take a side trip up the PCT to Paradise Lk which will complete my PCT section through the Marbles. Back at Marble Rim, we'll head towards Summit Lk and then up to the Wrights Lks and summit Boulder Peak before ending the trip.”

“Well I'll be. I had no idea there were so many other Sacer-mentans on TT. Being relatively new to CA I'd appreciate any and all info y'alls got for me, and will gladly hook up on these upcoming weekenders.

Anybody know much about the Emigrations wilderness? I've read some good things, planned a trip that fell through, then BPer Mag came out and exposed it to the world. I'd still like to go though.

Snails Pace--shoulda hollered sooner! I was just up in Chico the other week; hiked to Feather Falls with a buddy and his 3 year old daughter. I'm sure it's not the last time, though.”

“Tommy, what would you like to know about Emmigrant? I've put in many Emmigrant miles in this lake abundant wilderness. I too was up in the Chico area a few weeks ago while backpacking in Ishi.”

“Hey Dunk--firstly, when is the area traversable? I'm not a snow shoer. Second, got any good ideas for a 2-3 day hike? I don't mind slightly crowded conditions if the views are worth it.”

“Tommy:

Go to Desolation Wilderness. Check out Lake Aloha and some of the other lakes up that way. It's all gorgeous. Generally it's supposed to be crowded tho I have never really noticed too many people up there. I've had some great one or two night trips up that way and it shouldn't be too much longer before its accessible. Hiking in the snow late in the season is not so bad either because it has compacted. Snow shoes aren't needed.”

“Tommy, Rosey has a good suggestion. While at Desolation, go to the top of Ralston Peak, Pyramid Peak or one of the other high points. They provide some majestic views of the valley... well worth the hike up. Also, let me know if you want a partner going up - I love that place!”

“Wanderer, Trinity, Dunk, roseymonster, Tommy, ChinaChas, Snails_Pace... I'm ready, willing, able, and stoked. I think we oughta plan a 2-3 day trek anywhere you'd like up there. Count me in, mostly. Scheduling not a problem, only advance notice. Got my Desolation map right here... Checking it out! YeeHaaaaa!”

“Obi, I've got my map out too. Are we planning Desolation for sure? -if so, OK by me. Next question...there are more trail options than we could shake a (hiking) stick at...let's decide on (1) who all wants to go (2) how many miles/day we want to do (3) how many days we want to be on the trail and (4) If we have enough trekkers to take two sets of vehicles...we may be able to start at one TH, (Echo Lake?),and end up at another TH (Eagle Falls at Emerald Bay)? Let's start a new post titled Desolation Trip, see how many are interested, & go from there... I'm VERY open to suggestions...”

“ChinaChas, I would love to rack up more miles with you. Have you met Trinity Trekker yet? Maybe we can all get together including all the other interested parties here. I almost got to to hiking with Jon but had to put out to Sea instead.”

“China have you ever been into Gearhart WA. Its a place I've been trying to get to for the last couple of years and something always comes up. Maybe its a place?”

“I think I'd like to get into this group too. Although I'm up here with Mr. Chas, I don't mind a good road trip once in awhile for some nice country.

I've actually done a number of trips now into the Marbles, Trinities, and the Siskiyou Wilderness areas. I'd like to see more of it. So, do keep me on the list for anything at the upper end of California. It would be fun to put some more names with faces.

My e-mail address is: abmulder1@juno.com. Thanks.”

“Wait fer me y'all !!”

“TT, no, I haven't been in that area. I've been west of there in Mountain Lakes but it is much different country.

How about South Warner Wilderness in Northeastern California. Has anyone been in there. I'm thinking of doing the Patterson Lake, Squaw Peak trip in a few weeks.

Dunk, sounds like an awesome trip. I probably couldn't get the whole 11 days but maybe we can try a back country rendevous somwhere around the Summit Lake segment. I was thinking of going into the ABCD Lakes this summer. That, or realize a life long dream and actually make it to Wooley Lakes!”

“CC, Summit Lk is an easy to moderate day up Shackleford, another option would be Little Elk Lk the following day, we'd be getting into that area on a Thursday or Friday. We do intend to camp at Summit Lk while we'll just be passing through Little Elk Lk. The next two nights would probably be spent at Deep Lk and Upper Wrights Lk.”

“CC both the ABCD lakes and Wooley are great choices in the Marbles. I visited the ABCD basin for the first time last summer and really enjoyed it.

There is only one Wooley Lake and it is probably my favorite Marbles destination. Be sure to allow enough time to camp at Milne during your trip.

If you want more info on that part of the Marbles email me svickery@shocking.com”

“Thanks SP. Having grown up in Medford, I've always considered the Marbles my backyard. Travelled many a mile through the area. My favorite area is probably the Hayes Meadow, Man Eaten area. Although the area around ABCD lakes is great, oh and so is Lower Wright Lake and jeez, Marble Valley. Oh heck guess I don't have a real favorite area, I just love it all.

I've tried twice to reach Wooley lake. Once a person we were with wimped out (don't ask) the second time it was just a bit too early in the year and we had no business getting as far as we did. ;)

Here are some photos from a trip last year:

Hayes Meadow

And some from the year before:

Summit/Cliff/Campbell Loop

And here I am, many years ago somewhere above Cliff Lake:

Years Ago”

“Those are great photos CC. I like the outlet of Man Eaton photo, as I made the mistake of coming down the slide above the lake several years ago.

I spend as much time as I can in the Marbles. Although I try to stay away from the more popular destinations like Clif/Campbell/Summit unless it is very early or late in the season. I did camp at Campbell around Thanksgiving last year and had the place to myself.

I make it a point to get to Woley just about every summer in early August. I have also made the mistake of attempting to get there too early.”

“I have always liked Shadow Lk. You sit up there, looking down on those poor people, makes one wish for a real good blatter.”

“Ahhh, yes, looking down on Sky High Lks, quite a nice view. The fishing ain't so bad at Shadow either.”

“Snail, I like to hike Wolley Creek also. Do you hike from the Salmon river road? I took my dog on his first hike there. When we got about 2 miles up the trail I set up camp, it was getting dark. The pup started heading down the trail back towards the trail head. He did not stop until he got back to the truck. I didn't know if I was ever going to see him again or not.”

“When I posted this thread, I was mostly looking at short, weekend BP hikes into a more remote area. Hike in, spend a day, maybe two, and then head back. I'm up for that, no problem, and I'm anxious to do so with someone who's been up that way.

For longer treks, I could do that as well, but logistically, I'd need more time to plan. Already have 1-2 of those on the agenda, but I could adapt.

As I'm not familiar with the area, would someone be willing to "take charge" and pull it together?”

“Obi Wan,

One of my favorite places is the Russian Wilderness nestled right bettween the Trinity Alps and the Marbles. There is less traffic here and it contains numerous lakes and lots of white Granite. Not to mention having the distinction of having the largest number of tree species within it's borders of anywhere else in North America. China and Oldtimer have gone there with me I highly recommend it. I'm out of commision for a while but when my therapy is over I would welcome a hike with you and the others. The Trinities tend to be more spectacular however and I spend alot of time there as well.”

“Alps, I usually visit Wooley Lk by traversing the rim above Man Eaten and then over the ridge down to Milne, then over the last ridge to Wooley. I haven't come up the Wooley Creek Trail.

Obi, I am all for short trips anywhere, but I'm temporarily out of commission due to a fractured bone in my foot (just got the good news this am) Looks like I go under the knofe next week. Hopefully in 5-6 weeks I'll be back in action.”

“Cool... very cool. Hope you're on a quik road to recovery, S.P.”

“Alps: Last summer, while in the Marbles, I got to talking with one of the local horsepackers. We were comparing notes on various places, and she mentioned that Russian Lake was probably her favorite destination. Since I haven't been to the Russian Wilderness, I made a point of checking it out on the map later. I was a bit disappointed to find that it's only five miles or so from the trailhead. What I'm wondering is... Would you agree that this is really a place worth visiting? If so, does it get overun with people since it's a fairly short hike? Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.”

“Alpine, here's my unsolicited 2 cents. Yes Russian Lake is a worthwhile destination for a short jaunt. Yes it does tend to get overun, and if you do it right it's only about a 2 or 3 mile hike.”

“Alpine, I make the trip to Russian Lake once every year with the family. Great place to go with kids or a wife that doesn't backpack much. If I go this year it will be the 6th year in a row for me. I have noticed a huge increase in traffic over the years so expect to see people. On the other hand if you enjoy scenery I'd recommend it. If you go at the right time there is big fish to be caught. In the last few years a snowfield has remained on the north side. There is also alot of side trips to smaller lakes. Waterdog lake makes a good base camp.
The picture of me on the rock on Phils page was taken at Russian”

“One of the best things about this thread is that it's degenerated into a number of differnt possible trips (not a bad thing), showing so many different options for us all...as I originally said...so many trails, so little time...I'm thankful I live where I do...”

“Thanks for the information calnatv and Snails Pace. I do appreciate your first-hand knowledge of the area.

Some day I'll probably be more grateful for beautiful places that are only a couple miles from a road, but I'm not quite there yet. As for now, I mostly try and focus (especially in the summer) on destinations that are a bit further in.

I do agree though that this sounds like it would be a great overnight destination with the family. Unfortunately for me, it's enough of a road trip that I don't get down there for anything less than a long weekend.”