Advice on proposed trip starting at Crabtree TH

[kpeter]

And one of my half dozen reports that are similar to you itinerary:

viewtopic.php?p=108707&hilit=pingree+2016#p108707

A few observations.
1) Camping by the falls on W Fork Cherry Creek (on the Bell Meadow trail in Louse Canyon) on the way in would significantly shorten that first day, and if the water is flowing it is gorgeous. This was also proposed (above) as a place to camp on the way out.

2) I liked Pingree, and the trek from Pingree down the granite to Big Lake is the most spectacular granite slab I have ever seen. The view of Big Lake from the top of the granite is wonderful.

3) While you propose hiking from Big Lake via Cole to Leighton, I went from Big Lake via Five Acre to Red Can. A little tricky but not physically difficult. You also see the old Leighton camp along the way for a bit of history. From Red Can it is a very easy and nearly level jaunt to Leighton. Leighton Lake, however, was very unimpressive to me. Lots of dead trees and very little understory. I thought Karl's was greener and more inviting. And of course once you get to Karl's you are next door to the Woods/Buck complex.

4) Agree with others to avoid Camp Lake. Terribly crowded, beaten down, and not a lot of excellent camp sites.

5) I like going in on the southern Bell Meadow trail for the reasons others have stated, but I like coming out on the northern Crabtree trail for the better views when my pack is lighter. A few more ups and downs, but you see Deer, Jewelry, Gem, and Paiute Lakes. A great camp along this trail is at the long unnamed lake between Piute Creek and Lily Creek. Another possibility for your way out.

[BillyBobBurro]

Alternatively, you could aim for Hyatt lake the first night. Drop down louse canyon and up and over to Hyatt. Then over to Big Lake the next day. The bowl below big lake is some epic granite and you would be walking the rim of it going from Hyatt to Big.

Lot's of devils club around Big lake... just joking. Vegetation between Rosasco and Big is not that much of an issue, you'll just need to keep your eyes peeled for ducks to stay on the long abandoned trail.

[edgeagg]

Alternatively, you could aim for Hyatt lake the first night. Drop down louse canyon and up and over to Hyatt. Then over to Big Lake the next day. The bowl below big lake is some epic granite and you would be walking the rim of it going from Hyatt to Big.

I was trying to find the route that you suggested. It seems rather cliffy overall if going from Louse Canyon to Hyatt. The only happiness that I see is this small green slot near the text that says VFGI below. Is there a different route?

[balzaccom]

You are getting great advice here. I'll just add my voice to those who think that Crabtree to Big Lake in a single day is long. But 10 years ago (or so) I didn't have any trouble following the trail up to Resasco from Louse Canyon. There is a huge cairn down near the creek that serves as the starting point...

[edgeagg]

You are getting great advice here. I'll just add my voice to those who think that Crabtree to Big Lake in a single day is long. But 10 years ago (or so) I didn't have any trouble following the trail up to Resasco from Louse Canyon. There is a huge cairn down near the creek that serves as the starting point...

Yeah, we will have bailouts in place just in case as people have recommended. Eg: At Louse Canyon. We don't actually start at Crabtree TH. Instead we start at the Aspen Meadow TH near the Pine Valley Horse Camp as recommended earlier. I agree that it will not be an easy day.

[BillyBobBurro]

Alternatively, you could aim for Hyatt lake the first night. Drop down louse canyon and up and over to Hyatt. Then over to Big Lake the next day. The bowl below big lake is some epic granite and you would be walking the rim of it going from Hyatt to Big.

I was trying to find the route that you suggested. It seems rather cliffy overall if going from Louse Canyon to Hyatt. The only happiness that I see is this small green slot near the text that says VFGI below. Is there a different route?
Screenshot from 2025-04-09 06-44-08.png

I must disclose that I have not taken this exact route to Hyatt. I've only traveled to Hyatt starting from Bourland Meadow TH. But last year while fishing Cherry Creek in the louse canyon area I chatted with a group that was headed to Hyatt. They did a 1 nighter there so I don't think it is that challenging if you are comfortable with some route finding. And I suspect it is way easier than the route I took from Bourland.
Do you use Caltopo? When importing other people's routes it appears that the green slot you mention is the way everyone goes. Once a decent climb has happened they stay level and wrap-around going in a south west direction (above the red steep area) until reaching the saddle and then head to Hyatt. I don't know how much Emigrant experience you have but this area is fairly open granite so x-country travel is relatively easy. This whole area of Emigrant is real fun to forgo trails and just explore around.

Rosasco is pretty if you want to make that your first night.

[edgeagg]

Yes. I think that we will have to play it by ear in terms of levels of whining in the team. I am so looking forward to the open granite of the Emigrants. Totally different from the Cascades until you get above the treeline. Eastern Washington has some wide open areas too, but not so much granite.

[edgeagg]

Alternatively, you could aim for Hyatt lake the first night. Drop down louse canyon and up and over to Hyatt. Then over to Big Lake the next day. The bowl below big lake is some epic granite and you would be walking the rim of it going from Hyatt to Big.

I was trying to find the route that you suggested. It seems rather cliffy overall if going from Louse Canyon to Hyatt. The only happiness that I see is this small green slot near the text that says VFGI below. Is there a different route?
Screenshot from 2025-04-09 06-44-08.png

I
Do you use Caltopo? When importing other people's routes it appears that the green slot you mention is the way everyone goes. Once a decent climb has happened they stay level and wrap-around going in a south west direction (above the red steep area) until reaching the saddle and then head to Hyatt. I don't know how much Emigrant experience you have but this area is fairly open granite so x-country travel is relatively easy. This whole area of Emigrant is real fun to forgo trails and just explore around.

Rosasco is pretty if you want to make that your first night.

Yes, I do use caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/EJ01H08 is the current work in progress. The Hyatt Lake route proposal is marked in purple since all else looked cliffy in Google Earth. Feel free to comment.

[BillyBobBurro]

In Caltopo look at the Shared Data and add the Shared Caltopo maps and you should see the routes others have taken. I suspect your more direct path after the steep climb out of Louse canyon will be more challenging than taking the saddle. Sounds like a fun trip!

[edgeagg]

In Caltopo look at the Shared Data and add the Shared Caltopo maps and you should see the routes others have taken.

Oh cool. I did not know that feature. It is an interesting crowdsourced method. Thanks for pointing it out!