Advice Request, Woodchuck Lake

[sheperd80]

A friend and I were thinking of attempting to get to Woodchuck lake via Wishon Reservoir this weekend. But ive heard that some of the crossings on that trail can be intense with all the melting going on.

Both level 2/3 hikers, comfortable with "reasonable" fording and snow. Planning 2 nights with a friday afternoon start. Just looking for a weekend in the mountains in an area ive never explored. Fishing would be a welcome bonus.

Alternately weve been looking at Ansel Adams area, Lillian, Rutherford, etc as a plan B.

Any input on either area would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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[oldranger]

Go for Woodchuck! The streams on your route are low elevation and unless there is a recent thunderstorm there should be no issue. If you are skilled at off trail travel consider a Hoffman Mt. start. There are multiple options for starting here that have been described in past TRs. But the routes are not for rookies.

Lillian and Rutherford are nice too and the trail system a little more direct.

[AlmostThere]

The trails up in Lillian lakes loop are cleared - it's a great time to go, snow's melted and it's a gorgeous area. Just a little rough road to get to the trailhead.

Then again, it's more traveled than Woodchuck. Maybe the fish will bite better out there?

Decisions, decisions. If you do go to Woodchuck bring back some info on the trail conditions for me, we're doing some trips out to do some of the trails in fall.

The mossies will be out in force - they seemed to be at higher elevations last weekend, but we know how that can go... headnets, long sleeves, DEET...

[sheperd80]

Go for Woodchuck! The streams on your route are low elevation and unless there is a recent thunderstorm there should be no issue. If you are skilled at off trail travel consider a Hoffman Mt. start. There are multiple options for starting here that have been described in past TRs. But the routes are not for rookies.

Lillian and Rutherford are nice too and the trail system a little more direct.

Care to elaborate more on the challenges of the Hoffman entry? I havent been able to pull up the threads about it in tapatalk :-(

I see a trail on the map from hoffman all the way to woodchuck and it appears to shave considerable distance. Is it just unmaintained? I dont mind some xcountry, dont think my partner likes class 3 though.

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[sheperd80]

The trails up in Lillian lakes loop are cleared - it's a great time to go, snow's melted and it's a gorgeous area. Just a little rough road to get to the trailhead.

Then again, it's more traveled than Woodchuck. Maybe the fish will bite better out there?

Decisions, decisions. If you do go to Woodchuck bring back some info on the trail conditions for me, we're doing some trips out to do some of the trails in fall.

The mossies will be out in force - they seemed to be at higher elevations last weekend, but we know how that can go... headnets, long sleeves, DEET...

Yeah ive done a few trips in the lillian area and love it. It always becomes a fall back option and never dissapoints.

Whatever we do ill be sure to do a tr or atleast add to the conditions thread

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[sekihiker]

Here's a trip report that shows a route to Woodchuck Lake: http://www.sierrahiker.com/WoodchuckCountry/index.html

[sheperd80]

Thanks for the link. It looks like most people start from Rancheria TH. Some hunters i know tell me the gate is open on that road now and that we'll be able to drive beyond Rancheria all the way up near the base of Hoffman.

If thats the case we will probably just shoot for Duck Lake on day 1 as were doing an afternoon start. From there im looking into xcountry routes to Woodchuck, but if i cant find anything were comfortable with, atleast weve shortened the trail some. We all have some xcountry route finding experience but we've alotted a good amount of time for this relatively short trip so no need to take risky routes.

After reading TRs from GB and others here it seems there are quite a few options. Google Earth raises some concerns, so i'll continue researching and ultimately will have to feel it out when we get there.

Question. Anyone gone over the little notch ExNE of Duck Lake?



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[sekihiker]

Question. Anyone gone over the little notch ExNE of Duck Lake?

The little notch ENE of Duck Lake is not difficult. Neither is the descent to Indian Springs.

[robertseeburger]

I was just at Woodchuck Lake on 6/14. No crossings are difficult. There is no snow at all for the route. It is a good time to go.

I used the Hoffman trailhead. It was easy to get to, and the additional 2.6 mile drive to get there is worth for the relatively easy cross country walk to get to Woodchuck. I was the only car there when I arrived and the only car there there when I got back.