High Sierra Topix

Hello all, I still have the bug for the sierras, and we are planning for a short backpacking trip for the fall. We were thinking along the lines of Buckeye creek pass, or possibly pine creek. Thanks in advance for the suggestions, and here are our requirements:

• 3.5 to 6 hr drive from the East Bay.
  2 to 3 nights
  We are Level 2 backpackers.
  Would also like to try whitney portal, or Hoover Wilderness
  ample creek fishing
  moderatly easy hiking, 4-5 miles a day

Thanks again, will provide a good TR.
Pork50

Check out the answer to the other question posted today for some ideas....

The challenge with much of the East Side is that it takes a lot longer to drive there....and the elevations are usually higher, so temps are often colder.

Leavitt Meadows has some nice destinations...

After checking ouy your website, a few questions popped up. Is the clarks fork trip out of pinecrest? And Lyons lake looks pretty good too.

Hoover Wilderness out of Virginia Lakes or Green Creek is nice, and if you're going over Sonora Pass, it's not such a long drive down 395. We also live in the East Bay and I think the drive was not much over 4 hours. We did this trip back in early August and it was great. We hiked out of Virginia Lakes to Summit Lake (about 5.5 miles), then over to West Lake, then back to East Lake and out again. Longest hike was about 7 miles I think.

Clark Fork leaves from end of Clark Fork Road....which forks (sorry!) off of Highway 108 between Pincrest and Dardanelles. Permits are free and easy to get at the Summit Ranger Station at Pincrest.

It would be another hour to drive over to Leavitt Meadows on the far side of the pass.

Lyons Lake trailhead is on the way to Wright's Lake of Highway 50. Very easy and convenient. But you'll need to get your permit organized for that one.

Thanks guys,
Im not sure we will be able to make it backpacking, but we will do some road side fishing, which will have to suffice. hoewever, we are in the process of planning a trip to SEKI/Tephite valley. From what i've heard, it is a mecca for the sierras.