Re: easyish trip from west side seki; alta medows?
Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 4:47 pm
The hike to Alta meadow/peak can be made less strenuous easily - when you get to Mehrton Meadows there are established camp sites and a stream. If you are pooped, this is a good place to set up for the night. The next day you can go on to Alta.
The established trail will end at Alta meadow - if you look to the immediate right there is a large campsite with fire ring. If you continue down the ridge there will be ample flat spots for tents just off the meadow, which is good because much of the meadow itself is a bog. There is a spring/stream that crosses the trail on the way in that is the best water source for this area.
While I was camped at Alta last fall (August) there was fresh bear scat and one of the trees from which I suspended my hammock had scratches on it. I did not see a bear, however, and nothing disturbed my bear can.
If you choose to go to Pear Lake, be aware that it's against regulations to camp at some of the lakes.
A great moderate loop is the Jennie Lakes Wilderness - taken at a leisurely pace, this is a great easy trip with two lakes to stop at.
The established trail will end at Alta meadow - if you look to the immediate right there is a large campsite with fire ring. If you continue down the ridge there will be ample flat spots for tents just off the meadow, which is good because much of the meadow itself is a bog. There is a spring/stream that crosses the trail on the way in that is the best water source for this area.
While I was camped at Alta last fall (August) there was fresh bear scat and one of the trees from which I suspended my hammock had scratches on it. I did not see a bear, however, and nothing disturbed my bear can.
If you choose to go to Pear Lake, be aware that it's against regulations to camp at some of the lakes.
A great moderate loop is the Jennie Lakes Wilderness - taken at a leisurely pace, this is a great easy trip with two lakes to stop at.