My husband and I do an annual fall trailer trip on the east side of the Sierra. This time I took advantage of his offer to pick me up at an ending trailhead at the start of our trip. I wanted a route that I could simply walk into a dog-friendly campground where my husband would have plenty to do if I were a day late. Given a weather report of cool conditions, I wanted to camp at about 10,000 feet or lower. I also wanted a 4-5 day route so that my total time including the trailer trip was about 10 days. As usual, deciding which route to do was agonizing and I was still debating the route the night before I left! I planned to start the weekend of Sept 15, but delayed a few days to avoid the high winds forecast.
Although the forecast temperatures were accurate, I took too much clothing. On the contrary, it was quite warm hiking and I regretted taking my heavier hiking pants. It lightly frosted every night and I was toasty in my 10-degree bag. I did not buy a California fishing license this year so with no fishing to entertain myself, I instead hiked longer days. The four-day trip was 40 miles with 8,600 feet gain and 10,830 feet loss. Other than too much darkness and tent time, the trip was very enjoyable and scenic. Although rigorous, it was low-stress being mostly on trails and places I had been before.
- Greenstone Lake
Sept 17. Saddlebag Lake TH to Upper McCabe Lake, plus drive (5.4 mi, 5.2 hr, +1520 ft/-1130 ft)
I left the Saddlebag Lake TH at 11:15, with my permit stating I would camp at Cascade Lake, but hopefully I would be able to make it to Upper McCabe Lake. Fourth July weekend in 2002 I lead a CMC trip camping at Upper McCabe Lake and climbing on Shepherd Crest. The lake was beautiful; the mosquitoes were some of the worst I had ever seen! Hopefully, this time I could get the stunning scenery without the bugs.
First I continued on a use-trail up to Conness Lakes and took some photos.
- Conness Lake
Several fishermen and day-hikers were on the trail. Then I traversed the east arm of North Peak and dropped into Cascade Lake. It was still early so I decided to continue. I could always stop at the unnamed lake at 10,880 if needed. I was surprised to see a good use-trail to this little lake, where I stopped for a break. I heard voices and saw two people coming down from the “pass” to Upper McCabe Lake, on a route farther north than I had taken in 2002. I ascended the ridge farther south finding a faint use-trail with a few cairns. Other than a few times where I had to scramble using my hands, it was an easier route than I had previously taken, reaching the top at 3:30.
- Cascade Lakes from the pass to McCabe Lakes
One then has to walk the top of the ridge north to the actual “pass” before descending a trail that drops down the west side. The “trail” starts down a gully of reasonable steepness, then precipitously drops adjacent to a rock wall, after which the slope eases and everyone (or every deer) goes a different direction. The early season bog below was now dry enough to walk across at about any location. Shepherd Crest glowed in the late afternoon light. I traversed to the outlet, staying about 50 feet above the north shoreline. In retrospect, I could have stayed closer to the shores.
Across the outlet I found a campsite with wind protection. It was 4:30 and the sun was already low on the horizon. After setting up I walked around taking photos, climbing the little hill to the north and peeked down into the McCabe Creek valley far below. It was brush choked and already deep into shadows. I was glad I had not chosen that route! Shadows fell on my site before 7PM and it immediately became very chilly so I went into the tent. Although it lightly frosted at night, there was little wind and I was toasty warm.
- Shepherd Crest from Upper McCabe Lake
- Upper McCabe Lake viewed from ridge to the north
