Tahoe National Forest
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Frog Lake Overlook Tahoe National Forest |
September 10, 2023
Last year I ventured up today's trail for the first time, despite having lived within an hour or two of it for most of my life. I cannot recall why I did not write up a journal of that outing, but in any case my progress had been stymied by lingering snow. That will not be happening today.
The two Donner Summit rest areas recently have been fenced off on both sides of the buildings, presumably to discourage camping behind them. During the daytime, however, the connecting trails are accessible through open gates.
Starting off to the north
The Pine Drops are looking good
Rocks, and more rocks
Although this trail is well-maintained, there are rough spots and lots of high steps to negotiate.
The flowers are mostly gone
Some fifty years ago, my late wife and I sowed a few thousand marijuana seeds in that meadow on our way to nearby Summit Lake; but they have yet to sprout. I don't know...
I am slowly overtaking that couple
Doubtles this was quite a garden two months ago
Framing Devils Peak
The only snow in evidence
Those two youngsters have overtaken me
The original plan was to surmount the upcoming hilltop, then loop down and around to Frog Lake, which I never have seen; yet this climb has taken enough of a toll to raise the question of whether I will go all the way. According to the map, there is an overlook of Frog Lake atop this ridge; I'll assess the options from there.
Nearing the ridge top
An unsigned four-way trail junction greets me at the apex of the saddle. The overlook is up the hill to the right, so that's the way to go.
Onto the scenic spur route
A steep ten-minute climb begets the summit. A bit of scrambling gets me down the other side toward the edge of the big cliff overlooking the scene below, and a fine view it is!
Frog Lake is a thousand feet below
Looking north at a partial view of the cliff face
Uncharacteristically, my proximity to the edge of the dropoff causes sufficient discomfort for me to clamber back up a ways to a more friendly snacking spot; and that's a first. Getting old.
Butterballs
Davis's Knotweed
After consuming my five-nut mix and a cutie, I amble southward on the overlook, discovering the two women that had passed me earlier as well as a somewhat better view of the lake.
Having been privately owned for more than a hundred years, Frog Lake and its surrounding lands were purchased in 2020 by the Truckee Donner Land Trust, which in recent times has done a wonderful job of buying up local lands for permanent public use, then constructing dozens of miles of hiking and biking trails.
The modern lakeside cabins are available for rent. The facility is used mostly
by cross-country skiers, who access it from the eastern side via Carpenter
Valley or local ski slopes.
The complex is well-organized and well-maintained
It is decision-time, but the choice is not difficult. Accessing the lake would provide some very nice views, but it also would double the length and difficulty of this walk, and I certainly am not up for that today. It's time to head back.
Is this my best-ever view of Castle Peak?
The view southward incudes Interstate-80 and the old railroad snow sheds
Actually, this view is even better
There is a trail atop that cliff
Green Rabbitbrush
Sugar Pine
The hikers I passed an hour ago finally have arrived
The aforementioned trail runs from Castle Peak over to Basin Peak
Been there, done that. See Hike #474.
Playing peek-a-boo with the Sierra Buttes, which are 25 miles away
Last view of the overlook
Last view of Castle Peak
Now that the hardest work is done, there is time to relax and concentrate on my floral friends as usual.
Rydberg's Penstemon
Pennyroyal
False Sunflower
Waxy Checkerbloom
Sierra Tiger Lily (or will be)
Cow Parsnip
Still at the edge of the cliff
Dwarf Fireweed — a first for me
An aged Corn Lily poses for my favorite portrait of the day
Back in Paintbrush Alley
More Corn Lilies
Giant Red Indian Paintbrush
Woolly Mule's Ears
The Picture-frame Tree reappears
The mountains of Donner Summit and Granite Chief Wilderness
Purple Owl's Clover
More Cow Parsnip
Wow! This has been quite a floral display, considering the lateness of the season. I must do this again with friends next July.
Rose Meadowsweet
American Painted Lady
The inevitable retracement of the big rock steps in the trail takes its anticipated toll on my poor knees, but soon it is over.
The nice pond behind the rest area never is seen from the highway
§: Well, it still is a bit depressing that I never had bothered to head
up this trail until today. My sole excuse is that I didn't know about the
Frog Lake Overlook itself. Mid-July or so would be the best time for this
one. Mule Ears are not one of my favorite flowers; but when millions of them
are gathered in one place, they can put on quite a show.
| Scenery |  |
| Difficulty | |
| Personality | |
| Flowers |  |
ADDENDUM
Read more about the Frog Lake and the Truckee Donner Land Trust here:
www.truckeedonnerlandtrust.org/frog-lake-huts
Here's a view of the Frog Lake Cliffs from near the cabins (not my photo):
The overlook is right at the high-point of the cliff
