Crescent Meadow Loop Sequoia National Park

August 3, 2010

Having just conquered Moro Rock, I anticipate something a bit different here.  This trailhead does double duty as the start of the High Sierra Trail — a direct backpackers' route to Mount Whitney.  And it takes only a week!

Start of the High Sierra Trail

Just past the HST junction is a signpost proclaiming that John Muir had thought rather highly of this place.

This meadow itself is pretty, but rather mundane in my opinion.  There are a lot of nice flowers around, though, as expected.

Crescent Meadow

Richardson's Geranium
Thimbleberry

Earlier this morning, while stopped by road construction, I had discussed today's itinerary with a ranger, who told me not to miss Log Meadow.  So when I encounter a detour pointing to that very place, I promptly take it.

The ranger said to go this way

This pleasant little path, lined with ferns and flowers, proves much more enjoyable than walking on asphalt.  Within just a few minutes I reach the meadow.

Approaching Log Meadow

A lone male hiker is taking photographs from the trail.  Seeing me, he points down into the grass.  What is there provides the material for my best-ever animal picture!

I dub thee Flossie 55

Despite her menacing appearance, Flossie does not seem agitated.  She did, however, just send her two cubs up the nearest tree, probably after spotting the other hiker.  This is understandable, because we are less than 100 feet away.

What a treat!  I have no particular fear of black bears, nor is any warranted; a healthy respect is sufficient.  I know the rules, and so does the bear.  As long as I don't threaten her babies, Flossie really couldn't care less about me.

A second club is on the other side of the tree

That being said, I elect not to press my luck, and move on.  Presently I run into a huge fallen sequoia tree that probably suggested the name for this meadow.

Log Meadow's namesake?
Nice flowers are everywhere on the trail

Just a few minutes after photographing the three bruins, I get another chance at some moving targets.

Tiger Swallowtail

The trail begins to climb somewhat as it skirts around the north side of Log Meadow.  Along the way are some interesting plants that have seen better days.

Ferns are a welcome addition to any trail

Humboldt's Lily
A toadstool?

Suddenly I run into Tharp Log, another fallen sequoia that served as a summer home for nearly 30 years.

Tharp Log

There is a great network of trails in this area; in fact, right next door is Giant Forest, home to five of the ten largest living things on earth.  Having other plans for the remainder of the day, however, I scamper down the wheelchair-friendly path to the trailhead and head up the Generals Highway toward my third hike of the day.

The exit road features a drive through what might be the world's only remaining drive-through tunnel tree.  The world-renowned Wawona Tree in Yosemite's Mariposa Grove fell down in 1969 under a two-ton load of snow.  I was privileged to have seen it several times.

The return route is entirely paved
Is this tunnel the last of its kind?

§: What an uncommon an exciting experience I had today!  Photo-ops don't come any better, either.  I highly recommend the delightful detour to Log Meadow.

• Trailhead: Crescent meadow, 3 miles south of the Giant Forest Museum
• Distance: 2½ miles
• Elevation: 6690' to 6860'
• Hikers: 30
• Rating: 7  (=5 without the bears)

Scenery
Difficulty
Personality
Wildlife
Flowers
Solitude

ABOUT THE CRESCENT MEADOWS SIGN

Countless blogs refer to the phrase "Gem of the Sierras", allegedly spoken or written by John Muir.  I maintain that virtually every one of those articles is in error!  My reason is that they invariably mention the famous words in a context such as, ... the "gem of the Sierras", or even "the gem of the Sierras".

I am confident, however, and the writers should realize as well, that Muir never would have said such a thing.  He, better than anyone else, knew that there were thousands of "gems" in the Sierra.  It is quite well known that he prized certain other places far more highly than he did Crescent Meadow, which in truth is just another nice meadow.

I have unsuccessfully attempted to locate Muir's actual text; perhaps someone could help me with that.  Meanwhile, it seems overwhelmingly likely that any such accolade was exclaimed in the intended context of "a gem of the Sierras", not "the gem of the Sierras".

The bloggers (most of whom admittedly are mere copycats) are ignorant of the fact that, by their injudicious and misleading wording, they have substantially changed Muir's intended meaning.

Note that there is no word "the" on the signpost.  That fact would suggest that someone in the Park Service might understand, but no — the dreaded "the-word" is being used in the brochure that is handed out at the entrance stations.  Shame on the NPS for producing another of many such park brochures that go out of their way to misrepresent facts, just in order to hype a place that is perfectly capable of standing on its legitimate merits.