Camping At Birch Lake?

[ExploreABitMore]

Hello,

I am thinking about making my first trip up to Birch Lake next weekend. Just curious what the camping situation is like at the lake. I get the impression nice spots to camp at are maybe a bit sparse? I also noticed there are some permits taken the day I was interested in going, so perhaps competition for whatever spots are available?

Any other good advice for the Birch Lake Trail?

Thanks!

[thegib]

I remember two?, definitely one, good spots at the lake outlet on the north side. I seem to remember the road in was harrowing (I've a prius) and for the trail it was a good idea to read some trip reports (mostly just keep heading up). Good place to see Sierra bighorn sheep.

[ExploreABitMore]

Thanks @thegib ! I noticed on SummitPost something about 4 small spaces for tents. Sounds a little slim, but hopefully doable.

Just got lucky and saw some Big Horn Sheep yesterday near Cirque Peak. Maybe I will will get lucky again and see some at Birch. That would be awesome

Cheers

[giantbrookie]

Wow that's an early start. Even with the early thaw I'm not so sure Birch will be thawed given that the elevation is 10800'. There are a couple of really primitive rocky flat spots near the outlet (N side). Perhaps OK for single-person tents and marginal for two-person tents. I seem to recall a potentially viable camping spot about 1/2 mi N of the lake along the trail (at about the same elevation--trail kind of comes in level over the last part. I've dayhiked there twice. I've wondered if one might be able to find decent camping spots on the west side of the lake but in my visits I ended up spending all my time near the outlet.

Note the trail is a primitive one and difficult to follow in places. The key is catching the first part. The first time up, my wife and I pegged it and were on it all the way up the second time I missed its beginning and ended up well south of the track. It wasn't the horrible hiking but it cost my group some time.

[ExploreABitMore]

Thanks @giantbrookie! I had a last minute change of heart and went up Taboose Pass instead. I noticed last weekend had 5 permits out for Birch. Taboose had none. Well, except for me ;-)

I'll probably day hike something out of Birch Lake here soon and check out the camping situation first hand.

[KathyW]

I've camped at Birch Lake. There is a nice spot near the outlet (a nice level tent site in the rocks - kind of sheltered).