Tower Lake area hike 6/15-6/23 2015
Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2015 4:33 pm
Ah! The first real jaunt of the season is always lots of fun with high expectations usually a too heavy pack. I started at Kennedy Meadow and dragged myself up the hill to Summit Creek and camped. It was here I lost my spoon (this has happened before, so no biggie) and improvised with a flat piece of wood. Works well and saves weight. 
The next day it was over Brown Bear Pass and one of my favorite views! Emigrant Meadow Lake.
On the way up to Grizzly Meadow came the first annoying swarms of mozzie. But they were localized, staying close to home. I took the old high trail to Bond Pass. Scenic, no need to drop into Summit Meadow, and no bugs. Here is Grizzly Peak and a view down to Summit Meadow and Snow Lake.
I move slowly and camped here. The trail is usually clear but does get lost in brush at times. No problem since the direction along the side of the ridge is clear.
An easy walk down to Dorothy Lake and then cross country to Helen Lake, which is a beauty but I suspect no fish so it doesn't get many visits.
Here is looking back at Helen Lake from the climb to the easy pass going to Tower Lake.
And the view up toward said pass.
While camping at Helen a curious marmot wandered over and took great interest in my hiking poles.
I laid the poles down next to my tent and while napping heard a clatter and saw one pole was missing. The little varmit had hauled it off into a thicket of trees probably the better to gnaw on. Attempts at chewing on my tent had already been made. I put the poles in a tree! The next day we said good bye to each other and I headed to Tower Lake.
Here's the lake and the pass to Mary Lake.
There's a bit of a trail made by climbers but the snow made the going easier.
Looking back at Tower Lake.
And then the easy way down to Mary Lake.
Following Tilden Creek to Tilden Lake is in a pretty valley until one gets closer to Tilden Lake when it becomes woodsy and creek crossings are useful.
Then the PCT to Bond Pass and back to Kennedy trailhead. I talked to a young guy who had dayhiked (day run?) from Sonora Pass via Big Sam. I was impressed!
The next day it was over Brown Bear Pass and one of my favorite views! Emigrant Meadow Lake.
On the way up to Grizzly Meadow came the first annoying swarms of mozzie. But they were localized, staying close to home. I took the old high trail to Bond Pass. Scenic, no need to drop into Summit Meadow, and no bugs. Here is Grizzly Peak and a view down to Summit Meadow and Snow Lake.
I move slowly and camped here. The trail is usually clear but does get lost in brush at times. No problem since the direction along the side of the ridge is clear.
An easy walk down to Dorothy Lake and then cross country to Helen Lake, which is a beauty but I suspect no fish so it doesn't get many visits.
Here is looking back at Helen Lake from the climb to the easy pass going to Tower Lake.
And the view up toward said pass.
While camping at Helen a curious marmot wandered over and took great interest in my hiking poles.
I laid the poles down next to my tent and while napping heard a clatter and saw one pole was missing. The little varmit had hauled it off into a thicket of trees probably the better to gnaw on. Attempts at chewing on my tent had already been made. I put the poles in a tree! The next day we said good bye to each other and I headed to Tower Lake.
Here's the lake and the pass to Mary Lake.
There's a bit of a trail made by climbers but the snow made the going easier.
Looking back at Tower Lake.
And then the easy way down to Mary Lake.
Following Tilden Creek to Tilden Lake is in a pretty valley until one gets closer to Tilden Lake when it becomes woodsy and creek crossings are useful.
Then the PCT to Bond Pass and back to Kennedy trailhead. I talked to a young guy who had dayhiked (day run?) from Sonora Pass via Big Sam. I was impressed!
