RP3 TR: Baker Lake, June 3-5, 2016

jimmeans · Post by **jimmeans** » Sun Feb 26, 2017 4:23 pm

Blackfoot and I embarked on a 3-day weekend trip to Baker Lake on June 3. Our plan was to start at South Lake and first hike to Green Lake. From there we were going to head over the pass between Green Lake and Baker Lake to reach Baker Lake where we would base camp. To exit we would continue on to Big Pine Creek.

Day 1
From the South Lake trailhead we followed the old pipeline that captures water from the numerous creeks along the route and dumps it into South Lake. Once you get the hang of walking on the curved surface it is pretty easy going as the pipeline provides a steady rate of climb.

: Pipeline

: Blackfoot clearing debris from grate over pipeline intake.

The pipeline finally intersects the Green Lake trail coming directly up from Bishop Creek. We followed the trail to Green Lake and took a short break.

: View north down the South Fork Bishop Creek canyon

After our break we continued on the trail over the pass east of Green Lake. As you near the pass, the landscape changes to a flat barren plateau.

: Looking west to Green Lake on climb out

: View south to cirque below Peak 12682

: Looking west from pass, Mount Humphreys on far right

: Plateau

: Starting descent to Baker Creek drainage

: Night shot of Baker Lake

Day 2
The next day was spent relaxing and fishing. We took the short hike over to Hidden Lake. The water level was very low, but there was a group of golden trout visible in this lake. We spent a short time fishing there, but the mosquitos proved to be to much of a pest. Fortunately the bugs weren't really biting, but they were swarming ferociously. We were expecting another friend Brad to hike up from Big Pine Creek, but he never arrived.

: Campsite

: View of Baker Lake from campsite

: Blackfoot with protein supplement for dinner

jimmeans · Post by **jimmeans** » Sun Feb 26, 2017 4:27 pm

Day 3
Sunday morning we hiked out to Big Pine Creek. We followed Baker Creek for a couple of miles to meet the trail coming from Big Pine Creek. Once we turned onto this trail the landscape was still green but there were no obvious water sources. Once we got over the ridge into the Big Pine Creek drainage we were treated to some spectacular views. When we reached the Big Pine Creek trailhead our buddy Brad was waiting to pick us up. He had attempted the climb from Big Pine Creek on the previous day, but when he ran out of water and couldn't find more he turned back.