R03 TR: 20 Lakes Basin 8/4-8/6 2012

[Peech]

This was our "Newbie Trip" for any of our friends that wanted to try out backpacking for the first time under relatively painless conditions with lots of scenic payoff. The little kids and their mom took the boat across Saddlebag while the rest of us hiked in.

I had sent everyone a tutorial on food (posted it earlier in the backcountry food forum) and they still managed to pack tremendous amounts of heavy and bulky food items! I think for the first time I left with more weight on my pack than when I started since I carried out a good amount of their trash and uneaten leftover food stuffs. In any case we all had a good time and I can't think of a better place to introduce little kids and the uninitiated to backpacking on the East side.
Here's the TR:
https://peechierana.weebly.com/the-newbie-trip.html

If you're planning a trip out there we had Greenstone much to ourselves and found lots and lots of campers by Cascade Lake. It looked like everyone tried to hike in as far as possible on the loop and ended up bunched together!

Conditions are dry, the wildflowers are starting to fade and I saw just one mosquito the entire time.

[maverick]

Thank you Peech for getting back to us with this wonderful TR and nice pictures.
Sounds like everyone had a great time which I am sure was due to your diligent
planning.

[kpeter]

Thanks so much for that report! You have reinforced the place on my list for 20 Lakes Basin as an introductory hike.

[cgundersen]

Peech,
Yep, beyond Saddlebag is right up there with Rock Creek as perfect intro hikes. Great TR!
cg