TR: Rae Lakes Loop, May 31 - June 2, 2013

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Flamingo
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TR: Rae Lakes Loop, May 31 - June 2, 2013

Post by Flamingo »

Hi Everyone,
I hiked the Rae Lakes Loop this weekend, counterclockwise. The backcountry conditions are excellent right now.

Snow Update: Glen Pass is navigable without an ice axe or crampons. The south side is totally clear of snow. The north side holds a 200 meter snow field across the switchbacks. It may look scary, but I think it's safer than it appears. The boot tracks across the snow are well-worn, and I was fine with trekking poles, running shoes, and a healthy dose of caution.

Mosquitos: I encountered light mosquito swarms in Vidette Meadow, and also along Woods Creek near the Muro Blanco intersection.

I hiked counterclockwise. On the first day, I climbed from Roads End to Vidette Meadow. On the second day, I crossed Glen Pass, enjoyed a swim in Rae Lakes, and then cruised down Woods Creek to Paradise Valley. On the third morning, I returned to Roads End. I encountered a handful of PCT and JMT thru-hikers, plus two fishing parties.

Wildflowers are blooming, just about everywhere along the Rae Lakes Loop.
Image

West Vidette Peak at Dusk:
Image

The conditions are great (and mostly snow-free) above 10,000 feet:
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The South Side of Glen Pass:
Image

The North Side of Glen Pass (the boot tracks are quite good):
Image

The North Side of Glen Pass, from below:
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Rae Lakes Crossing:
Image

Arrowhead Lake:
Image

A Healthy Juniper Grove:
Image

Woods Creek Bridge:
Image

Castle Domes Meadow is just about perfect right now:
Image

I posted more photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/victorhans ... 931533107/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Last edited by Flamingo on Wed Jun 10, 2015 4:20 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: TR: Rae Lakes Loop, May 31 - June 2, 2013

Post by larroyo33 »

Great trip report! Thanks so much for the information, I am planning on heading out there in two weeks. Glad to hear Glen Pass can be done without snow equipment.
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Re: TR: Rae Lakes Loop, May 31 - June 2, 2013

Post by maverick »

Thanks Vhsvhs for the TR, great pictures, and conditions up date. :thumbsup:
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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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exodus
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Re: TR: Rae Lakes Loop, May 31 - June 2, 2013

Post by exodus »

Wow so little snow there. It's great for us hikers, but not so great for our water supply. Hopefully next year will be above average, but for now we'll enjoy what we've got! I see you did just that!
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Re: TR: Rae Lakes Loop, May 31 - June 2, 2013

Post by kpeter »

Gorgeous photo of West Vidette peak. Nice trip report all around!
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Re: TR: Rae Lakes Loop, May 31 - June 2, 2013

Post by gchikes »

Just secured a dogsitter for this weekend, so I'll be headed out on this loop Saturday morning. Thanks for the timely TR & conditions update.
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Re: TR: Rae Lakes Loop, May 31 - June 2, 2013

Post by Pennington »

Thanks for the post and pics. I'm heading up for 5 days on Tuesday. I'll post some pics. \:D/
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Re: TR: Rae Lakes Loop, May 31 - June 2, 2013

Post by maverick »

Hi Pennington,

Welcome to HST! Looking forward to reading your TR. :thumbsup:
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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