TR Where do you go when there's too much snow?

[balzaccom]

Boy, there were a lot of people in the Sierra this last holiday, taking advantage of the mid-week July 4th! But those people quickly discovered that snow levels in the high country severely limited their options. When we stopped in at the Summit Ranger Station on the morning of the 4th the scene was hectic. There was a triage table out front, with volunteers helping the hikers firm up their plans and get more information. Once armed and ready, the hikers then went inside the office to speak to a ranger and get their permits.

And every one of them was going to either Crabtree or Kennedy Meadows trailheads. There must have been a real crowd at Camp Lake, Bear Lake, and Relief Reservoir that night, as all the hikers showed up to the same place at more or less the same time. The rangers even posted a chart on the wall, pointing out that for every permit for Waterhouse Lake, there were about twenty for Crabtree.

On top of that, the creek crossings were being described as somewhere between waist high and chest high, and all hikers were recommended to carry micro-spikes for the snow.

All of this was particularly striking to us, because we had just come back from a three day trip where we hiked less than a hundred yards on snow, never crossed a creek except on a bridge, and saw an average of fewer than four people per day, none of whom were spending the night.

So where did we go? We had called Summit Ranger Station on Monday morning, and asked them which of the USFS roads were still closed to all vehicles. One of them, Herring Creek Road, leads to a nice secluded valley with a small reservoir and tons of side roads and hiking trails as well. So we parked our car near the locked gate and hiked in.

Wonderful trip. The creek was flowing high and fast, but we crossed it on the road bridge built in 1955. We hiked up to Pinecrest Peak for some lovely views, wandered along Herring Creek up to the reservoir, and generally had the place to ourselves. By exploring off road and off trail, we also discovered a mystery trail that seems to run for a least a couple of miles, and that none of the rangers knew about.

here are the photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/PprWaCxRxg6nQot58

[c9h13no3]

I will ignore your smugness since you shared what sounds like a lovely trip

[Wandering Daisy]

I disagree that you need micro-spikes for the snow, but trekking poles were essential. I walked over plenty of snow without micro-spikes, simply by waiting until the sun thawed the surface for about an hour. A lot of hikers had inadequate footwear for the soggy/snowy conditions. I was very happy with my waterproof low hikers and high gaiters; I was able to slosh through the meadows with dry feet.

I must have been just a day ahead of the rush because it did not seem that crowded to me. The camping below Kennedy Lake is really spread out so it seemed fine. More cows than people and I am out of there once they bring in the cows.

I have been up Herring Creek to rock climb on some domes up there. I recall the road being horrible. Looks like a nice trip.

[cdevine]

I’m sure it’s been posted before but what is the website with current satellite snow images? I’m trying to plan August trip and want to make sure I will be ok.

[balzaccom]

I disagree that you need micro-spikes for the snow, but trekking poles were essential. I walked over plenty of snow without micro-spikes, simply by waiting until the sun thawed the surface for about an hour. A lot of hikers had inadequate footwear for the soggy/snowy conditions. I was very happy with my waterproof low hikers and high gaiters; I was able to slosh through the meadows with dry feet.

I must have been just a day ahead of the rush because it did not seem that crowded to me. The camping below Kennedy Lake is really spread out so it seemed fine. More cows than people and I am out of there once they bring in the cows.

I have been up Herring Creek to rock climb on some domes up there. I recall the road being horrible. Looks like a nice trip.

Thanks, Daisy. I saw your TR as well. Very nice. I think most of the people at the ranger station were headed for either Bear, Camp, or Relief Reservoir. One couple was on their way to Huckleberry Lake, but from the give and take between them and the ranger, I bet they didn't make it.

The Herring Creek Road didn't seem that bad to me. Maybe they've worked on it some? We hiked it about ten miles, up to the top of Pinecrest Peak, and I am sure that I could take our Subaru up there with no worries at all. But the northern part of the loop may be different. We drove that a few years ago and got tired of the washboard after a few miles...

[rightstar76]

Wow! What a great backpacking trip. I liked the picture of the picnic table. Actually, I liked all of the pictures. It's always a pleasure to see a less traveled route in the Sierra Nevada. Thank you for sharing.