Wind River Bear Basin routing help/check

[arglefraser]

Hi all!

I'm planning a trip to Bear Basin 8/1-8/4. I mapped it with info on forums and GPX files I've seen. I would like some feedback from someone who's been here.

Here is the route I made: https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=13.1/- ... ffde8236a5

Day 1: 10.5 mi. Start early at Green River Lake TR and go up roaring forks. Continue up to Native Lake and then camp at Crescent Lake. (Is it best to go straight to crescent lake and skip native? I've seen on some forums there is a trail straight to crescent and that native is hard to get to.)
Day 2: 6 mi. Wake with the sun and hike by Daphne lake and Bear Lake and make our way to our campsite, Kevin lake. As an alternate route for the day depending on group spirits and the weather I was looking at the high route. Looks to be 9mi. Go up hunters hump, NW peak/Continental Glacier, Downs mtn, South Downs mtn, then coming down to kevin lake? (Is bypassing the Continental glacier without crampons and ice axes doable?)
Day 3: 6 mi. Wake with the sun and hike by Connie Glacier and Baker lake to camp at Golden Lakes.
Day 4: 10.5 mi. Wake early, stop by elbow lake, make the traverse and go up to lost eagle peak. Then hike along the ridge to slide lake trail then it's smooth sailing to the trailhead.

My group has good routefinding skills and backpacking experience.
I haven't hiked this route and don't want to get iced or cliffed out, especially going from golden lakes to lost eagle peak.

Does this look/sound reasonable? Thoughts about the alternate route on day 2?

--Thanks!

[RadiantRiddle]

Your plan looks good overall. For Day 1, skip Native Lake and head straight to Crescent Lake. The trail is easier and more reliable.

On Day 2, the high route is ambitious but doable if the weather is good. Bypassing the Continental Glacier without crampons and ice axes is risky; I recommend carrying the gear.

Days 3 and 4 are reasonable, but the terrain from Golden Lakes to Lost Eagle Peak is rugged and requires good route-finding skills. Stay flexible and be prepared to adjust your route as needed. Safe travels!

[Wandering Daisy]

From Baker, you could also go on the north shore of Baker Lake and then traverse the east slope of Yukon Peak and drop to the saddle ("Connie Col/Saddle) and down the drainage to Kevin Lake. This is a much more scenic route. The north shore of Baker Lake is do-able- only hard part is the west end where you start. There often is a snowbank there.

The Roaring Fork Trail shown on the map has been re-routed. Just after you cross Roaring Fork, there is an established camp area. Search this are for a continuing trail on the south side. It is not obvious; there is no sign or cairn to mark it. The continuing trail is a big horse trail. There are some other game trails that continue up the Roaring Fork- do not take those.

Kevin Lake has poor camping- very rocky. There is better camping downstream from Kevin Lake or up at the Connie Lakes. Also good at Rocking Horse Lake. Baker Lake is beautiful but is a bit of a wind tunnel. That said I have camped at Baker Lake twice.

You probably will not need an ice axe or crampons unless you specifically want to go up on a glacier (your alternate route-Continental Glacier). Personally, I am not that impressed with walking the Divide. It is very rocky and slow to get up there, the scenic value not worth the effort, in my opinion. Staying down by Bear Lake is very impressive. Instead of going via Daphne Lake, you can walk the rim above Bear Lake, with one short section of difficult talus.

Your time frame is at the end of the usual afternoon thunderstorms. Be prepared. I would be sure to have a contingency day in case you get pinned down in bad weather.

You are fairly close to Slide Lake, which is a really nice side trip.

As noted, route finding is the key. You really need excellent navigation skills.

[Ganavigator]

I’m planning a similar trip (more days less miles) from 8-9 to 8-15. If you think of it would you post your gpx file of your track once completed? I’d greatly appreciate any info you have of the route

[Wandering Daisy]

I only go by paper maps- no GPS.

[Ganavigator]

Hi all!

I'm planning a trip to Bear Basin 8/1-8/4. I mapped it with info on forums and GPX files I've seen. I would like some feedback from someone who's been here.

Here is the route I made: https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=13.1/- ... ffde8236a5

Day 1: 10.5 mi. Start early at Green River Lake TR and go up roaring forks. Continue up to Native Lake and then camp at Crescent Lake. (Is it best to go straight to crescent lake and skip native? I've seen on some forums there is a trail straight to crescent and that native is hard to get to.)
Day 2: 6 mi. Wake with the sun and hike by Daphne lake and Bear Lake and make our way to our campsite, Kevin lake. As an alternate route for the day depending on group spirits and the weather I was looking at the high route. Looks to be 9mi. Go up hunters hump, NW peak/Continental Glacier, Downs mtn, South Downs mtn, then coming down to kevin lake? (Is bypassing the Continental glacier without crampons and ice axes doable?)
Day 3: 6 mi. Wake with the sun and hike by Connie Glacier and Baker lake to camp at Golden Lakes.
Day 4: 10.5 mi. Wake early, stop by elbow lake, make the traverse and go up to lost eagle peak. Then hike along the ridge to slide lake trail then it's smooth sailing to the trailhead.

My group has good routefinding skills and backpacking experience.
I haven't hiked this route and don't want to get iced or cliffed out, especially going from golden lakes to lost eagle peak.

Does this look/sound reasonable? Thoughts about the alternate route on day 2?

--Thanks!

I’m heading on a very similar route but reverse a few days after you finish. Any way to get your contact info so you could share your beta?