Bear Lakes Basin to Marie Lake ?s

[schmalz]

Thanks Chris. Avoiding bloody paws is my #1 concern. I'd like to never have that happen, but I'm aware that it probably will at some point. Callie only weighs 40 pounds so carrying her out is always a consideration as a last resort that I hope I never have to deal with.

After putting some more thought into this trip I'll probably do something that is closer to Maverick's suggestion. Lowering the miles per day would hopefully be good enough to prevent any injury. Lots of weekend hikes on rugged trails at treeline will help get us ready too.

[rlown]

Other than just toughening up the dog's paws, you might consider training for using Booties. You can do both bare paw and booties depending on the terrain. Carrying an extra 40lbs is a nice thought, but it changes your logistics.

Russ

[sekihiker]

Here's a trip log with photos of parts of the Bear Lakes area:
http://sierrahiker.home.comcast.net/~si ... index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[calipidder]

I haven't seen it all, but based on my sierra backpacking experience thus far, Bear Lakes Basin is my favorite place in the range. I spent three nights at an excellent campsite at Big Bear Lake, perched on an outcropping on the northern side of the lake. From the site I had amazing sunset views of Feather and the view out my tent for sunrise was Seven Gables. The view of Seven Gables is better from the Vee area but then you lose Feather. I liked our site as a good compromise and central location for exploring the basin and climbing Seven Gables.

Here is where we camped

Some photos:
Granite Park to Bear Lakes Basin Via Dancing bear Pass

Wandering around Bear Lakes Basin

Climbing Seven Gables

Moonrise over Feather Peak from our campsite


Sunrise view of Seven Gables from my tent (took this one from my sleeping bag )


Seven Gables from Vee Lake (during our dayhike around the basin):