R01 TR: Twin Lakes and Ranger Lake in SEKIJuly 2017

[jeremiahkim]

A few weeks ago my wife and I took a few friends on their first backpacking trip into the Sierra. We had permits for Yosemite, but due to the fires/air quality we decided to roll the dice for walk up permits in SEKI and were able to grab an itinerary for Twin Lakes and Ranger Lake via Silliman Pass.

Being a last minute change, we didn't quite know what to expect but it ended up being a great weekend with the first-timers asking about the next trip (which is always a good sign).

Amongst the lupine.

Morning at Twin Lakes.

Silliman Pass.

Milky Way viewing from Ranger Lake.

Morning from Ranger Lake area.

Some Notes:
- Water everywhere but crossings are very manageable.
- Lots of established backcountry sites with bear lockers, although they are not noted on the NatGeo or USGS 7.5 minute maps.
- Added bonus of firepits/rings at several spots.
- Silliman Pass is gorgeous.
- Twin Lakes can get very crowded. We started mid-week and had the lake pretty much to ourselves on the way out, but crossed back on a Saturday and the lake was jam packed with wall-to-wall tents and hammocks.
- Brook trout biting in Clover Creek and larger Twin Lake. No sign of fish at Ranger Lake or Beville Lake/outlet creek. (Posted a note about these last two on the Lost Lake log thread. Anyone have any info on these?)

Happy trails!

[maverick]

Thanks for the TR, pretty area, Lost Lake is the prettiest in the area, and one of the Sheep Camp Lakes for fishy, but you will have to back and figure out which one.

[jeremiahkim]

Thanks for the TR, pretty area, Lost Lake is the prettiest in the area, and one of the Sheep Camp Lakes for fishy, but you will have to back and figure out which one.

I did see your note on one of the other threads about Sheep Camp but only after we returned.

Next time!