The least visited lake.

[SSSdave]

Maverick, the 3 large lakes west of Observation Peak can likely be reached from the Dumbell Lakes via what looks like an easy saddle just west of the peak. However Dumbell Lakes basin takes some days to reach iteself. As for your,

"on the other side of the ridge with a pass over itwhich leads down to this lake at 10500 ft that sits on a bench way above CartridgeCreek."

Seems you are referring to the same lake as the bottom of my post just south of 11151? Check my link. Indeed that is the most work and most remote in the group.

For the photographer the most interesting lake in those basins west of Observation are the two no name lake at 10600+ on a shelf just southwest of lake 10565. The south lake in particular may provide an excellent unblocked sunset and dusk view of the southern section of Black Divide including Devil's Crags.

[maverick]

Hi SSSDave

There is a class 2-3 pass http://WildernessApertures.com/img/s11/ ... 5717-6.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
which comes into OPB from the southern end of Dumbbell Basin, the southern side
is the class 3 side.
The views from this area towards DC are truly outstanding, one just need the right
conditions, and no big fires like what I had the last time visiting the area.
http://WildernessApertures.com/img/s11/ ... 1327-6.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Unfortunately the solo lake at 10500 does not seem to have a great view towards the
west, but the thought of visiting a lake that no one has seen does intrigue my inner
Muir.
The next time visiting this place will head up just east of the Devil's Washbowl
where Observation Creek meets the MFK, and will take the branch leading up to the
3 lakes.
By the way SSSDave, ever check your PM's, sent you one during the holidays.

[SSSdave]

was not as tired as you probably were in reaching that spot...

[oldranger]

SSSdave

I don't think you've ever posted a pic with so much out of focus! a really funny post!

Mike

[Wandering Daisy]

You asked for photos, so here they are.


Lake at 10600 ne of Finger Peak, I camped here.


Little Moccasin- camped at Big Moccasin, a stone's throw away


Big Moccasin camp- also hiked to all the more remote upper lakes


Big Chief camp- also hiked to all the more remote upper lakes in the drainage


Unnamed Lake on Glacier Divide, west side (facing Deadman Canyon)- hiked there but did not camp


Lake on bench below Gray Pass (I did not actually go down there)


Lake on bench east of Tunamah- hiked there but did not camp


Lake 10232 in Goddard Creek- I camped at the small lower one about a mile below this lake (did not have a camera on that trip)

[SSSdave]

Thanks WD, fine images of no name lakes I've never seen up close but have wondered about for decades staring at my topos. Have looked down there from a Goddard climb. Always wanted to visit those lakes at the headwaters of the southern Goddard Creek.

More pics folks or at least topo links.

Recently bought a plustek Optic Film 7600 film scanner so might dig out some old 35mm Kodachromes showing remote no name lakes out of my pile of old slide boxes.

[oldranger]

WD

I once got picked up by a Navy Huey from just to the right of the waterfall in the pic of the Lake on the W side of Glacier Ridge. Had just completed a rescue and was able to hitch a ride down to Roaring River. That lake basin is one of my favorites in the Sierra, surprisingly so since there are no fish. But because of that there is little sign of camping since most people just pass thru on there way to Josephine or after fishing Josephine (not worth the work for fish alone). The basin is close to pristine as it gets but there may be an oxygen bottle someplace in the basin as the crew said one rolled out of the helicopter when flying over the basin.

Mike

[maverick]

Really like that Google image SSSDave, how about one from Lake 10500, it would
be interesting to see how expansive the view is towards the west or is mainly of
the Windy Peak and Dead Pine Ridge area.
Well WD eliminated quite quite a few of the lakes, cool photo's, only have not visited
the lakes east of Tunamah, and like you, did not camp at the lake below Gray Pass, but
did hike to the end of that ridge above it in your photo to take a picture from the over
look.

[oldranger]

How about the tarn on the ne slope of Barton Peak se of Roaring River Ranger Station? I hiked there once as part of getting to know the territory. Not particularly attractive. Created by terminal moraine consisting of large blocks of granite. Can't remember the view but should have a pretty decent view of Palmer Mt.

Mike

[maverick]

Here you go WD, an older pano of Ladder Lake:
http://WildernessApertures.com/img/s11/ ... 0789-6.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mike, you must have missed it, Cross Country did stipulate no tarns.