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Lakes So .East of Mt. Goddard

Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2010 2:21 pm
by frediver
I was looking at my maps of the Sierras last night and noticed a concentration of lakes
in a General So. direction from Mt. Goddard running in a east west direction at about
the 11-11.5k alt. level
The easiest access seemed to be from a pass So. of Helen Lake.
Who has been there and what can you tell me of the area?

Thanks

Re: Lakes So .East of Mt. Goddard

Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2010 3:07 pm
by maverick
Hi Fred

Are you referring to the western side of Ionian Basin? Since you mentioned Helen
Lake then I am assuming this to be the case.
Enter from the east go to Muir Pass and head south and go cross-country to lake 11,939.
Keep south and go over Black Giant Pass, and down to lake 11,828 , then continue west
and you'll enter into the eastern end of Ionian.
You can also enter the basin by following the JMT to the outlet of Wanda Lake and then
head up to Wanda Pass and over into the basin.
Expect rugged travel over rocks, with deep blue lakes, and small clusters of flowers in
this barren basin in August.
Campsites are sparse, some small meadows at the northern end of Chasm Lake, and the
northeastern end of lake 11,592, which make descent places for base camps.
To some Ionian's remoteness and barren environment is exciting and mysterious, to
others the lack of trees and greenery is boring and uninspiring.

Re: Lakes So .East of Mt. Goddard

Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2010 3:10 pm
by giantbrookie
It looks like you're describing Ionian Basin. There are a number of ways of getting in there and the best way depends on which direction you're headed when you're planning on entering. If you are headed northbound on the JMT then Black Giant Pass (12160+ just west of Black Giant) is one way, plus you can easily get to the top of Black Giant itself for some nice views. You can also go through the gap just W of Mt. Solomons at 12400+ (SW of Muir Pass). If you are coming southward on the JMT the best way in is via Wanda Pass which is at elevation 12400+ directly south of Wanda Lake. If you are coming from the trailless interior, one can easily ascend a series of benches from L. 10232 in Goddard Creek. You can also get there directly from Martha Lake by following the drainage directly E from Martha. Getting around in Ionian Basin is more difficult than it looks. There are lots of small cliffs too small to show up on the topo and if you go early enough in the season there tend to be some snow patches/cornices that inconveniently block would-be routes. It is said that there is not a piece of flat ground in Ionian Basin, and this is very close to being true. If you like the savage trailless ruggedness of the Sierra, this is prime country, and it is characterized by dark, splintery, metamorphic rock rather than the usual light colored granites, adding to its foreboding character. The lakes are beautifully deep and blue, although you will find no fish in them.

Re: Lakes So .East of Mt. Goddard

Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 1:48 am
by frediver
I just pulled out a different map and yes the are I asked about is Ionian Basin.
On the map I was looking at last night it is not marked (Google).
Thanks for the info.