Sierra NF Trail Report 7/14
Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2021 5:42 pm
Sierra NF:
U.S. Forest Service
Wilderness Trail and Trailhead Report:
Wilderness Area(s): Ansel Adams Wilderness
Trailhead Entry: Fernandez Trailhead....Number: A61
Trailhead Exit: Fernandez Trailhead....Number: A61
Trail Name: Fernandez Trail....Number: 24E03
Trail Name: California Riding and Hiking Trail....Number: 24E03
Trail Name: Lillian Lake Trail....Number: 24E04
Destinations Visited: Rutherford Lake, Lillian Lake, Staniford Lake, Lady Lake, Vanderburg Lake Fernandez Pass
Please Recreate Responsibly, LEAVE NO TRACE www.lnt.org :
The wilderness rangers found unsanitary and exposed human waste disposal around Lillian Lake. Please be sure to practice Leave No Trace Principals regarding human waste disposal; 100 feet from water, dig a cat hole at least 6-8 inches deep and pack out toilet paper.
Please Be Bear/Wildlife Aware:
There are few trees available for proper counterbalancing, bear can is highly recommended. If counterbalancing, please make sure to hang food at least 15 feet from ground and 10 feet from the trunk of the tree.
Trail Conditions: (trees down, trees cleared, stream crossings, available water, mosquitos, fishing, wildlife/bear encounters):
The Ansel Adams Wilderness was severely impacted by the Creek Fire and sections of the Fernandez Trail and Lillian Lake Loop are burned and unrecognizable. The burned areas are significantly hotter due to the direct sunlight and limited shade. The entry and exiting points of the Lillian Lake Loop are severely burned. The entire Lillian Lake Loop Trail is clear of fallen trees and accessible to hikers and pack stock. The entire Fernandez Trail is clear from the parking lot to the pass. The trail from Rutherford Lake to Fernandez Pass as well as the trail to Lady Lake are also clear of fallen trees. In some areas, large diameter stump holes have created some hazards along the edges of the trail.
As of 7/13 Madera Creek is flowing, but will decrease as the summer progresses. There are various bodies of water and lakes along the trail that make water accessibility relatively easy. Water flow in creeks and streams is low, making stream crossings safe. There are mosquitos along all the trail, including locations not close to water. Fishermen have reported mixed results in all of the lakes on the Lillian Lake Loop.