Golden Trout Wilderness Loop
Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 1:15 pm
I'm eying a trip loop here, and I'm wondering, not so much about the loop itself (It looks like a very straightforward, all-trail loop), but more about what time of year would be best for it, what conditions to expect, etc.
The loop I'm thinking of would take me (could run this either direction, depending on permit availability):
Start @ horseshoe meadows
1st camp at Big whitney Meadow, via Cottonwood pass.
2nd camp just south of Tunnel meadows, between South fork kern and Golden Trout creek
3rd camp at Bullfrog/Mulkey Meadows
Hike out over Trail Pass back to Horseshoe meadows (Does Trail pass have a Quota? InyoNF doesn't list it on the site)
Would be about 24 miles for the 4 days, which given the very modest elevation changes, I'm very comfortable with.
The thing is, this would be primarily be a fly-fishing trip, and I wouldn't want to go at a time of year that the creeks wouldn't be fishing well due to low-water conditions.
I'm not solely interested in fishing these creeks in the meadow sections, I would hope to find more "freestoney" sections outside of the meadows? My favorite creeks are fast, brushy, steep, and with deep holes.
I also like the idea of getting a shot at both the South fork Kern, and Golden Trout Creek.
Anyone have any insights into these areas - either in late August/Early September, or next year, say in early July.
Many thanks,
Ray
The loop I'm thinking of would take me (could run this either direction, depending on permit availability):
Start @ horseshoe meadows
1st camp at Big whitney Meadow, via Cottonwood pass.
2nd camp just south of Tunnel meadows, between South fork kern and Golden Trout creek
3rd camp at Bullfrog/Mulkey Meadows
Hike out over Trail Pass back to Horseshoe meadows (Does Trail pass have a Quota? InyoNF doesn't list it on the site)
Would be about 24 miles for the 4 days, which given the very modest elevation changes, I'm very comfortable with.
The thing is, this would be primarily be a fly-fishing trip, and I wouldn't want to go at a time of year that the creeks wouldn't be fishing well due to low-water conditions.
I'm not solely interested in fishing these creeks in the meadow sections, I would hope to find more "freestoney" sections outside of the meadows? My favorite creeks are fast, brushy, steep, and with deep holes.
I also like the idea of getting a shot at both the South fork Kern, and Golden Trout Creek.
Anyone have any insights into these areas - either in late August/Early September, or next year, say in early July.
Many thanks,
Ray