Trip Advice: Leavitt Meadows to Virginia Lakes

[kevingong]

Hi, first time posting here, looking for some advice on a trip this year, probably in August.

Some background on me: Level 2, Class 1, like lakes, scenery, photography. Last year did North Lake to South Lake (7 days, 58 miles), looking for something similar in difficultly, maybe a bit longer. We did some 12 mile days last year, probably don't want to do much more if we can avoid it.

What I'm considering right now is Leavitt Meadows to Virginia Lakes (8 days, about 70 miles), camping at (in order) Fremont Lake, Dorothy Lake, Tilden Lake, Kerrick Canyon (near trail intersection just north of Bear Valley Lake), Benson Lake, Matterhorn Canyon (near trail intersection), and Summit Lake.

Are there good campsites at all those locations? (esp. in Kerrick Canyon and Matterhorn Canyon) Anything to watch out for? I'm assuming creek crossings probably wouldn't be much of a problem at that time this year.

Thanks,

- kevin

[Tom_H]

There are numerous places to camp at Dorothy, and there may well be a lot of other people there. If the mosquitos are gone by then, just south of Dorothy at the west end is a small pond with a pretty view. On the north side of this pond are some boulders with nice camping between them. This place will give you solitude from other people at Dorothy. Before you set up a tent or fly, however, lay down for a few minutes and see if there are mosquitos. If they are gone, this is a nice place. If they are still hatching, you can't enjoy it 'cause this is where they hatch.

Also be aware that from Tilden on you will be in serious bear territory. The northern and eastern sections of Yos is where they relocate bears from the valley.

[kevingong]

Thanks Tom. We do use bear canisters, but I will keep that in mind.

[maverick]

Hi Kevin,

Welcome to HST! Numerous overused sites at Dorothy Lake and Fremont Lake
(would rather stay at Hidden Lake):\ , the best campsite at Dorothy is located
in the only stand of trees on the southeast side of the lake. It's good that you
going in August, Tilden can be really bad during mosquito season, as can the
Seavey Pass to Benson Pass corridor. Kerrick Canyon is okay but the lake right
(east side) of the trail after you cross Thompson Creek, with the multiple island, is
a better option then Kerrick. Seavey Pass has some nice lakes kind of hidden off
the trail that are quite pretty. Smedberg Lake is good, but Sister/Surprise
are too, and offer a lot more solitude when Smedberg is crowded. Lower part of
Matterhorn has some decent camping. McCabe Lakes are worth the effort if you
have the time and energy.

[balzaccom]

I agree with Maverick about Matterhorn Canyon---but we liked camping at one of the last groups of trees as we hiked up the canyon. Spectacular country.

As for Dorothy Lake---you can find some lovely spots to camp at the nearby lakes, without so many people. They are only 1/4 to one mile off trail, STella Lake is lovely, so are some of the others.

There are lots of photos of these areas on our website in the destinations section

[TehipiteTom]

Welcome to HST, Kevin. Always enjoy reading your trip reports.

[Tom_H]

As for Dorothy Lake---you can find some lovely spots to camp at the nearby lakes, without so many people. They are only 1/4 to one mile off trail, STella Lake is lovely, so are some of the others.

Ditto. And you have much more of an alpine feel with some of these being treeless compared with Dorothy.

[kevingong]

Thanks for all the tips. Current revised plan:

Leavitt Meadows to Hidden Lake, Stella Lake, Tilden Lake, Lake 8896 (between Stubblefield and Kerrick Canyons), Benson Lake, Matterhorn Canyon (where it meets the PCT), Summit Lake, Virginia Lakes.

Smedberg Lake looks nice, but I'm guessing it'll be a bit too far and we'll want to stop at Benson Lake instead. McCabe Lakes doesn't look like it will fit in on this trip. Sigh - so many places to visit! Plus, I'm skipping most of Matterhorn Canyon which I hear is supposed to be great. So maybe I'll plan another trip in the area some other time.

[Silverfox]

Kevin, You won't see much of Matterhorn Canyon on the route your taking, but you will find some spots along the creek near trail junction. If you have enough steam left, hike up the PCT another 1000 feet to Miller lake.

Miller Lake.JPG

Nice meadow and sandy beach, water will be significantly warmer and great place to relax and take a swim. There are nice campsites under the trees on the western shore of the lake. Summit Lake has campsites on the western and eastern shore.

Summit Lake.JPG

Silverfox

[kevingong]

Thanks again for the advice. Trip completed. For those interested, here's my report:

http://kevingong.com/Hiking/201408HooverWilderness.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Personally, I probably liked Tilden Lake the best, but the family really really liked camping at Benson Lake - they wished we were there longer.