This year my June is gonna be completely booked for the family's trip to tropical islands, which I managed to avoid in last two years... So I figured I had to start early to do something I enjoy more, the mountains.
I hit Edith Lake on 04/30 from Hetch Hetchy via Frog creek, explored the downstream (reached lake 5728 along Kendrick creek) and surrounding on 05/01, and got back on 05/02. Had the lake to myself for two nights. Animals are abundant along the route and I saw 2 snakes, 2 bears, 3 deer besides many waterfowls at Edith. The route is a mixture of bushwhacking, muddy meadow, post-holing and wet granite slope after leaving the Moraine Ridge trail, but somehow I enjoyed it quite much. Total mileage is 34.31mi with elevation gain/loss of 7741ft, mostly done on the first and the last day. What I can say is that Edith is well worth the effort. Also the condition should be way better in a week or two, as the snow is melting fast and water level in both Frog and Kendrick creek is not high at all.
The difficulty is mostly from my schedule. As a weekend warrior, I get used to driving up after work, and hike some trail miles in the dark until midnight to save some time. Hetch Hetchy is not very friendly to this style, because the gate is only open 8am-5pm on 04/30 (and 7am-5pm beginning 05/01). That also means I couldn't start until 9ish from the trailhead after getting the permit on 4/30. Anyway, here are the pictures along my trip:
Rainbow under the dam at trailhead
The weather was pleasant, and I didn't see another soul starting from the junction towards the switchback.
On the way up the switchback, plenty water source can be found
False morels near the meadow after a couple of miles passing the top of the switchback. I saw at least 20 false morels but not a single morel that is edible.
Heading to Moraine range trail.
I left the trail around 7400ft, and there were snow sections I couldn't avoid.
I walked along the southeast side of the Frog creek, and the bushwhacking was not too bad, as long as you go up a little bit.
By 4:30pm, I reached the top of the saddle between Frog creek and Edith. The ascend was very easy and there's no snow. I ran into a cinnamon-colored bear at the top of the saddle, and he turned back down to Edith. The waterfall is very impressive.
The descend was not straightforward with half snow and half dense shrubs at the top, and some slippery granite in between. But overall it's not sketchy and one can find a good route with some patience. There was no need to rush.
The lower half of the descend was more gentle and the view is superb.
I made the lake by 5:30pm, and went straight to the lake to fish for dinner. I didn't carry any protein but only noodles, dried veggie and sauce, so fish is an very important supplement to my dish. Fortunately I got 2 out of 3 casts and went back to cook. There was no wind and only a bit chilly after 7:30pm. I set the fire while watching the alpenglow.
