thegib wrote: ↑Sun Oct 11, 2020 5:06 pm
Good ad libbing. I love that spot at Wales lake, and crabtree pass thru Miter basin is underrated no matter how highly rated.
That is a perfect description of Crabtree/Miter Basins, just an incredibly beautiful area and not a lot of people. Two nights at Crabtree and I saw a total of 3 people pass through and then one tent off to the side at Middle Crabtree Lake. Amazing
@kpeter I took the PCT all the way to Rock Creek and then went up Rock Creek for about a half mile for the first night's camp. I wish I had taken the cutoff to Soldier Lake and then followed Rock Creek down to the ranger station and crossing Rock Creek. I was aiming for Kawaeh Basin on this trip. If I was going to go this way again, I think I would go through Miter Basin and Crabtree Basin and avoid the PCT over Guyot Pass.
@Lumbergh21 I think I could spend a week wandering in the basin below Wallace/Wales Lakes. Lots of little creeks coming together to form Wallace Creek, lots of open forest to wander through and lots of little ups and downs to keep things interesting. Next time I pass through, I think I will try to climb straight up to Wales Lake. It looked to be an easy fun hike and then cross the Wales outlet at the end of the climb and a great campsite. Then up to Tulainyo for a dayhike.
@Wandering Daisy Thanks for those photos, it was one of your earlier trip reports that made me want to see Crabtree Lakes. I'll definitely be back. I actually tried partially coldsoaking one dinner (long soak then a little bit of heat) but the brown rice did not work very well, I ended up carrying out half of that meal
@Jim F 4 miles as the crow flies is some "extreme" terrain
Thanks for the info about the High Trips. I've heard about them, but I assumed that they were early 1900s and had ended by mid-century, no idea they were still happening in 1962. Is there anything online that lists the locations/years of the High Trips? I had seen mention of that packer camp, I assume that packers still use it?
I've used the Sawyer bags before. I don't think the alcohol affected the bag, I think I actually ended up with a slice somehow. I'm going back to a more solid container for fuel from now on. For water, I use Evernew bags and have never had a problem.
I think the biggest knock on the Cottonwood Lakes area is the crowds. I was shocked how many people I passed on a Tuesday. It also appeared to be a lot of the annoying type of backpackers, the ones with music on the trail and large groups that would end up making a ton of noise late into the night. After seeing Rae Lakes and Kearsarge Lakes, I'm not sure I want to camp at Cottonwood Lakes
Glad everyone enjoyed the photos