Crystal Basin Recreation Area
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South Fork Silver Creek Crystal Basin Recreation Area |
Jun 20, 2009
Plunging into Ice House Reservoir is a Class-V kayaking run, regarded by some as the premier boating challenge in all of California. Today I thought I would scramble up beside the creek, hopeful of photographing some fearless lunatics on this perfect Saturday.
The drive north from US-50 on Ice House Road presents a nice view of the Crystal Range. I can hardly wait to get up in there and start the summer hiking season for real. But not today.
The Crystal Range in Desolation Wilderness
After a couple of miles on a good dirt road, I find the parking lot
unoccupied. There does appear to be something of a use trail heading up
the left-hand side of the creek.
Getting started
South Fork Silver Creek
One spur trail after another leads down to the water. I utilize a
couple of them for picture-taking opportunities.
The route climbs steeply up sandy slopes and over fallen logs. No trail maintenance is being done here.
One of the better sections of trail
Silver Lupine
Interesting river segments begin to appear. Most of these formations have been given nicknames by the kayaking set.
Nose Job
Quadruple Bypass, Part 2
I never forgo an opportunity to photograph my favorite flower:
Snowplant
Any semblance of trail abruptly ends, so it's a scramble from here. Around the next corner a beautiful scene unfolds.
The Offramp
I recall having seen online an award-winning action photo that was shot right here. In that regard, it's too bad that I am the only one around today.
Or am I? Glancing up, I notice another hiker on the rocks well above
me. We wave at each other, and soon the man joins me at creekside.
Shortly thereafter, his two companions appear. They are
geocaching — hunting for a hidden metal box that is nearby
according to their GPS device and printed information.
Bre, Frank, and Wanda
The four of us scour the area for nearly an hour, peering under every rock and into every crevice, anxiously hoping not to encounter a rattlesnake in the process. But the mystery cache box is not found.
The three treasure hunters have done some heavy-duty bushwhacking to get here, having come straight down the hill guided only by GPS readings. They are not looking forward to the steep uphill return after a fruitless hunt. Upon learning that a much easier option is available, my companions readily accept an offer to shuttle them back to their car. A last glance at this beautiful place sends us on our way.
Offramp, with Skyscraper behind it
The use trail sure beats manzanita thickets
Rest stop
Of course, there always is time to smell the flowers. The only wildlife in evidence today are a couple of uncooperative butterflies.
Jewel Flower
One-seeded Pussy Paws
California Sister
This one is camera-shy
After dropping off my new acquaintances at their parking area, I stop at roadside for a few more flower shots.
Five Spot
Sierra Mariposa Lily
§: This has been a fun day. I didn't scramble far enough up the
creek, however, to see the famous Teacups — an especially interesting
and beautiful section. I'll just have to return next year to further my
exploration.
| Scenery |  |
| Difficulty |  |
| Personality |  |
| Adventure | |
| Solitude | |
Check out this site for some kayakers in action on the "South Silver":
www.dreamflows.com/SouthSilver/waterfalls
