Recommendations for backpacking in mid February

[rlown]

This makes me want to go in mid Feb now, other than it's Valentines day and my anniv close to that. Let's see.. Vaca Russ just went to crystal. no snow. he was ok. I've been out on the east side of 120, I'm still alive and that was one of the best trips of my life! Sure, no snow until i hit Ellery, but then it was heaven and I had to carry my skis up the hill.

Tom, it's nice you care and warn. not our choice and very few are on this site who might go. There is no friggn' chance to get 8 people to go in Feb. Given that there is not a lot of good skiing snow, you are carrying your skis or snowshoes for most of any trip you might plan until you get to snow.

Lost coast is great. watch out for the MJ growers.

Watch the weather and know what is going to happen in your approach window. As Tom points out, be prepared, but go if you know what you're doing. It doesn't require extensive training, but more common sense.

russ

[Wandering Daisy]

One trip that may work is to go to the Ashram on Tuttle Creek. It basically is road walking (or nearly level x-country skiing). Not sure where you would park - if you could get to the normal trailhead. There is no water at the Ashram but a creek is located on your way in. If the side creek is dry, you have to drop down to the main river quite a distance, but there is a trail. You could also melt snow. The building is not weatherproof but kind of neat. You would still need a tent. It should be very scenic.

Even though low elevation you still need to check the weather report and have snowshoes in case it snows while you are in there, and have some snow camping experience. Bring chains for the car so you can drive out if snowy. Also, stash some food in the car in case you have to wait a day. Bring sufficient food to wait out a snowy day. Best to hunker down and munch peanuts while it is snowing, rather than getting soaked and cold trying to walk out.

[Wandering Daisy]

Oh, I also agree that the Lost Coast is a great trip. Be careful on coast range since it is so dry, some of the fresh water streams could be dry.

Have you thought about Channel Islands? Again, not a 4 day trip but could be part of a coastal road trip/overnight backpack trip.

I actually have done quite a bit in Yosemite in winter. The sunny side trails (Yosemite Falls, Snow Creek) are usually open all winter. It would be more of several overnight trips, instead of one 4-5 day trip. The 12-mile valley hike is really nice in the winter too. The cold settles into the valley in the winter so surprisingly, it often is warmer on the rim.

[FeetFirst]

I actually have done quite a bit in Yosemite in winter. The sunny side trails (Yosemite Falls, Snow Creek) are usually open all winter. It would be more of several overnight trips, instead of one 4-5 day trip. The 12-mile valley hike is really nice in the winter too. The cold settles into the valley in the winter so surprisingly, it often is warmer on the rim.

I'd like to visit Yosemite Valley soon and planned on doing just this. For these types of trips do you normally just car camp overnight in the Valley?

[balzaccom]

The other option is to aim for a lower elevation hike like Rancheria Falls in Yosemite. Watch the weather, aim for a clear window, and that's a great hike that we've done in March. Elevation is about 5,000 feet, so snow USUALLY isn't a problem.

Of course, you'll want to bail if a major storm is predicted...

[chulavista]

If anyone has recommendations of fantastic lakes to backpack by that are no further north than Bishop, I would greatly appreciate it. We are looking for more mellow backpacking considering weather and the rapid changes consistent with Feb.

Patagonia is south of Bishop and is very nice in February

[dave54]

Ishi Wilderness, between Chico and Red Bluff.

Low elevation, no snow.