Mt Morgan via Pine Creek or Little Lakes?

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TDC
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Mt Morgan via Pine Creek or Little Lakes?

Post by TDC »

Never backpacked this area and this summer it's time. I want to camp in the Morgan Pass vicinity first weekend of July. Seems like the Morgan Lakes would make a nice overnight camp and head up Mt Morgan from there. I am looking for suggestions for trailhead. Little Lakes going to be crowded? Pine Creek less traveled? Mt Morgan class 2 from this area so says Secor. Any route suggestions?
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RoguePhotonic
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Re: Mt Morgan via Pine Creek or Little Lakes?

Post by RoguePhotonic »

Lower Morgan Lake offers some nice camping on either side of the lake.

I once tried climbing Mt. Morgan in 2008. I climbed up to the top of Little Lakes Peak and turned back due to time. Lots of class 3 for sure and some very loose rock.

That was back when I had hardly ever done any backpacking and just thought i'd try to climb on up there!

Pine Creek is less traveled by far but has allot more gain to get to the lake. Beautiful views though either way.
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John Dittli
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Re: Mt Morgan via Pine Creek or Little Lakes?

Post by John Dittli »

I've never climbed Morgan (South) from Morgan Lakes, but I'm guessing it would be sporting. If you want to be less sporting, do the north ridge. Approach via the Tamarack Lakes trail and camp at, or above Francis Lake (or Kenneth or Dorothy). It's a common day hike via that route. The hike up to Tamarack and Buck Lakes is nice too.

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jessegooddog
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Re: Mt Morgan via Pine Creek or Little Lakes?

Post by jessegooddog »

Little Lakes Valley can be crowded with daytime hikers (parking lot full at 9 am!), but early mornings you will most likely have the trail to yourself. 7 lakes the first 3 miles before the pass is pretty hard to beat.
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Re: Mt Morgan via Pine Creek or Little Lakes?

Post by maverick »

LLV can be crowded but after all the day hikers leave it is magical.
Hidden, Chickenfoot, Gem Lake are very pretty. Treasure Lake is
great and it offers solitude, but does take a little scrambling to get to.
Here some link to Mt. Morgan climbs that may help TDC:
http://www.kathywing.smugmug.com/Califo ... &k=vHPFkSm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.snwburd.com/bob/trip_reports/morgan_s_1.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON9Sq8TcuvE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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Re: Mt Morgan via Pine Creek or Little Lakes?

Post by KathyW »

The view is just beautiful from the summit of Morgan. As John said, it can be done as a day hike if you go via Francis Lake. Just make sure you don't go into the drainage after Francis Lake. In the Meadow at the end of Lake Francis - go up the slope to the right with the small trees on it. You will find a use trail an there will probably be some ducks.


http://kathywing.smugmug.com/California ... &k=tBLhzXS" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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TDC
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Re: Mt Morgan via Pine Creek or Little Lakes?

Post by TDC »

Thanks Kathy,

Francis Lake it is. The pics are perfect for route planning! Can't wait. Had to skip my trips to the Sierra last year due to injury. Haven't been back since bagging Split Mtn two years ago. Psyched.
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