Re: Ionian Basin: Lots of route questions
Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 6:55 am
I did the south side of Davis Lake years ago. It is NOT easy and not that much shorter- about 3 miles to the PCT vs 3.5 miles on the north shore. Not worth the extra difficulty.
As for "a long ways across Ionian Basin", From the PCT at Helen Lake to Black Giant it is 1.1 miles, another 1.1 to Chasm Lake (beautiful campsite). Then about 4.5 miles to Martha Lake. A highly recommended side trip to the lakes north of Scylla add about a mile. From Martha Lake to the west end of Goddard Lake is about 2 miles. In my book, these are not long distances. Actually, I think it is a compact basin. IF you are experienced at rock-hopping, basically a day across the basin. If you want to do little side trips, then two days. Another day to get from Martha Lake to Davis Lake (north shore). A camp at Davis Lake is worth it even though you could make it to the PCT. Do the loop if you want to see Martha Lake and Davis Lake. Otherwise, you can base camp at one of the lakes and day-hike, returning via Black Giant Pass.
Bad weather could trip you up. Traveling within the Ionian Basin in rain is really hard and miserable. The rocks are slate, often slick when wet, not like the typical rounded granite rock. Returning via Black Giant Pass is a good "Plan B" if weather goes bad.
As for "a long ways across Ionian Basin", From the PCT at Helen Lake to Black Giant it is 1.1 miles, another 1.1 to Chasm Lake (beautiful campsite). Then about 4.5 miles to Martha Lake. A highly recommended side trip to the lakes north of Scylla add about a mile. From Martha Lake to the west end of Goddard Lake is about 2 miles. In my book, these are not long distances. Actually, I think it is a compact basin. IF you are experienced at rock-hopping, basically a day across the basin. If you want to do little side trips, then two days. Another day to get from Martha Lake to Davis Lake (north shore). A camp at Davis Lake is worth it even though you could make it to the PCT. Do the loop if you want to see Martha Lake and Davis Lake. Otherwise, you can base camp at one of the lakes and day-hike, returning via Black Giant Pass.
Bad weather could trip you up. Traveling within the Ionian Basin in rain is really hard and miserable. The rocks are slate, often slick when wet, not like the typical rounded granite rock. Returning via Black Giant Pass is a good "Plan B" if weather goes bad.