Jenkinson Lake -aka- Sly Park Reservoir near Pollock Pines

February 15, 2022

Hiking in the Auburn area for several months straight has been okay, but today Eileen and I will opt for something different.  Presuming that there will be little to no snow in the area this year, we head out up Highway-50.  It is 49 degrees as we pay the $5 parking fee and head out.

There is a bit of snow on the 'beach'

The woodpecker hangout

An hour's walk gets us to the destination, where it is time to munch some snacks and pick up some litter.

A tunnel diverts water from Camp Creek on the other side of Mormon Emigrant Trail

Starting back on the icy bridge

Ducks and snow — an unusual combination

That boat is moving quite slowly, but nobody is fishing

§: Well, this walk did what was expected of it, providing a pleasant alternative to the well-worn wintertime routes closer to home.  By the time we finished, the temperature had become ideal for hiking.

Also, this is Hike #500 on my 16-year listing; so that makes it special.

• Trailhead: 5 miles south of Pollock Pines on Sly Park Road, then a mile east on Mormon Emigrant Trail.
• Distance: 5½ miles
• Elevation: 3500'
• Rating: 4

Scenery
Difficulty
Personality