Crystal Basin, Eldorado NF
|
Loon Lake Crystal Basin, Eldorado NF |
July 4, 2019
Although the online directions to this place specify to drive up Ice House
Road from US-50, by far the shortest and easiest approach from northern
Sacramento is by way of Auburn, Cool, and Georgetown. The 90-mile
drive takes about two hours.
After paying the $8 parking fee, I also fill out a permit for Desolation Wilderness, even though I probably will not actually cross the wilderness boundary. At least it does serve as a record of my whereabouts.
Getting started
Loon Lake is over there
The forest is beautiful in here, there being no evidence of burning or infestation by elm beetles.
As are all the major routes into Desolation, this trail is well-fortified and
well-maintained. The Forest Service needs to keep them that way in order
to minimize maintenance costs.
Lots of stone steps make the going easier
My destination is on the other side of those granite mountains
Easy walking most of the time
Just a little bit of running water remains
The man has just caught a big one
If I had had a brain, I would have waited a few more seconds to snap the photo, and gotten a picture of the fish being hauled into the boat; but my camera already was back in its pocket by that time.
Wow! Loon Lake is beautiful!
In fact, I cannot recall having seen a more photogenic big reservoir in these parts; of course, it helps that the lake presently is full to the brim.
Those are rocks out there, not boats
Spectacular even in death
From the end of the lake, it is a long, hot slog eastward for a while.
The first hikers I have seen today
Presently, my 'planned' destination comes into view; or rather, a small part of it does.
Spider Lake
Going over there doesn't look particularly exciting. A couple of smaller lakes are nearby, so I opt to check them out instead. The only issue is that there will be no established trail for a while.
The adventure begins
Larry Lizard doesn't care
About half a mile of total travel gets me up to the next attraction.
Lake Winifred
The environs here are pleasant enough, but the mosquitoes like it around here as well. I will press on, over toward the next lake.
There are several ponds to avoid
The next lake is over there somewhere
For my Unusual Trees collection
Presently I encounter the 'snow' that still is referenced by one online account of this area's status.
Gee, I hope that I can handle it
Someone else has come this way
From an interim ridge-top is a better view of points east.
A portion of Spider Lake again
I can see the objective about 500 feet to the west.
Hidden Lake
The best available view
As before, the bugs are starting to hound me here; so I will press on.
Finding a way back to the trail
Unusual dikes
It takes longer than expected to regain the main trail. As soon as I do that, I am greeted by a big piece of somebody's trash.
I can't very well leave it here
My pack does not readily accommodate additional items of any size, but I manage to strap the plastic thingy on the back and out of the way.
The big lake is in view again.
Somewhere in here I finally stop for a snack of grapes, nuts, and seeds.
My "gorp" days are pretty much over, for I have embarked upon a long-overdue
sugar-elimination regimen and many other dietary improvements. The
almonds and sunflower seeds remain, but the craisins and M&Ms have been replaced
by walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and crap-free dry-roasted peanuts.
I surely have the healthiest food of anyone on the trail.
And I'm going to need it, too, because this walk is shaping up to be a couple of miles longer than was originally planned.
This signpost is brand-new
Hello! Down below a couple of women are enjoying the prettiest part of
the lake — a cove that has two entrances.
What a life
From here it is just a long slog back, and I already am rather tired; so it time to place my Walkman over my ears and plunge forward.
Water flowing through the algae
Choosing for some reason to walk as quickly as possible despite my weariness, I stop many times for a few extra breaths. It is just a matter of time, though, because my feet are not a bit sore. My Merrill boots do take good care of me.
Ragwort
Penstemon
A mile from the trailhead, a big backpacker asks, "Are you selling your stick?"
(The others in his group all have one.) Too quickly, I respond with an automatic
"Nope". Hell, my stick is well-used, and I certainly could have parted with
it without a problem. Oh, well.
Paintbrush
Glacial erratics
§: Well, I am pleased finally to be able to scratch this one off my
bucket list. The route is very popular with backpackers headed for distant
places; but other than the occasional views of Loon Lake itself, there isn't much
here for a day-hiker. Greater scenic rewards are available on some of
the fourteen other access trails into Desolation Wilderness.
| Scenery |  |
| Difficulty | |
| Personality |  |
| Adventure |  |
| Flowers | |
