I haven't been to Big Pine Creek in more than 20 years, it was great to get back up there.
I wanted to run the North Fork/Lakes loop, and possibly get up to Sam Mack Meadow. By the time I got up to First Lake, though, I was feeling the altitude already, so I skipped Sam Mack, and took the loop around Black Lake and back down to the junction below second falls. Up until Fifth Lake it was more walking than running...
It was as amazing as I remembered it, but 2 things seemed different:
1. It seemed a LOT drier than I remember, especially up past second lake - the trees seemed sparser around Fifth Lake especially.
2. I saw a lot of people on the trail, especially on the way up to First Lake, but really all over, with the exception of the trail from Black Lake to the trail junction. I saw at least 5 groups of about 5 people, and lots of individuals. Maybe just a busy weekend? All nice people though.
- Big Pine Creek Campground
- Cienega Mirth
- First Lake
- Obligatory shot of Temple Craig across Second Lake
- First and Second Lakes from the descent after Black Lake
