Slideshow - Beautiful Mountains and Landscapes

This is a slideshow presenting beautiful mountains and landscapes from some of the hikes I went on in California and Washington states.

California:

Yosemite, High Sierra, Mt. Whitney, Death Valley, Lake Tahoe, Ralston Peak, Maggies Peak, Joshua Tree, Anza Borrego, Point Reyes, Mt. Tam, McWay Falls, Point Mugu, Big Pine Lakes, Sam Mack Meadow, North Palisades, Kearsarge Pass, Sequoia/Kings Canyon, Half Dome, Firefall, El Capitan, Clouds Rest, Mt. Hoffmann, Mt. Dana, Cathedral Peak, Mt. Shasta, Desolation Wilderness, Alamere falls, North Table Mountain, Phantom Falls, Round Top Mountain, Red Lake Peak, Winnemucca Lake. Mt. McCoy, Walker Canyon, Carrizo Plain, Tamales Point

 

Washington:

Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, North Cascades, Colchuck Lake, The Enchantments,  Mt. Adams, Maple Pass, Mt. Ellinor, Mt. Washington, Sourdough Mountain, Hidden Lake, Skagit Valley, Table Mountain, Cascade Pass, Sahale Arm, Palouse Falls,

Camera used: 

iPhone 6s 

iPhone 8 

Nikon Cool Pix

Video by Lifeisamt

Pyramid Peak Via Rocky Canyon Trail - Desolation Wilderness, CA

Pyramid Peak seen from Ralston Peak 6-30-2017

July 30, 2017


When I hiked into Lake Aloha in Desolation Wilderness last year, I saw a pyramid-like granite mountain towering over the lake. It was Pyramid Peak I saw for the first time. I was so fascinated by the shape of the peak just like a pyramid and wondered if there was any trail going up to the top. Later I learned Rocky Canyon trail was the most direct and shortest approach to summit. This June when I hiked up Ralston Peak and faced Pyramid Peak for the second time, I set my eyes on Pyramid.

Scaling Pyramid Peak via Rocky Canyon trail is the most vertical climb in the Tahoe Sierra, gaining 4,100' elevation in 3.5 miles reaching the summit at 9,983'. That said, the journey is challenging and strenuous. However, the reward at the end is worth the effort, that is, a spectacular view in all directions into Desolation Wilderness and beyond....Crystal Range, Lake Aloha, Desolation Valley, Lake Tahoe, Carson Range, peaks of Carson Pass and beyond as far as you can see. Also, Wildflowers are blooming in meadows and I saw a wilderness resident....marmot!

Trailhead
There is no official trailhead for this hike. Park your car along highway 50 heading east about a mile after passing Strawberry Lodge. There is a small dirt pullout for several cars near the overhead traffic info board. If it's full, park along the road, but beware of "no parking" sign.

The entry point to the trail is across the road from the old 43 mile stone marker. There's also a big rock obscurely painted in gray at the point where you make a short climb up to the trail. Once you climb up the embankment, soon you'll see the obvious trail.

Journey
The trail is in good condition overall and climbs steeply from the beginning and crosses a creek in about a mile. There are many blowdowns along the trail, so you have to cross over or veer around them. Follow cairns as you go, so you can stay on the route. If you end up bushwhacking along the way, you are likely not on the right track. The forest gradually thins out after crossing the creek and you come to meadows where the trail levels out...wildflowers are blooming nicely. After the meadows, the trail gets steep again and Pyramid Peak comes in sight. There are some snow fields along the trail, but it's easy to cross. The trail becomes a scree slope and climbs steeply in switchbacks along the southeast ridge of Pyramid Peak. Pace yourself with high altitude/9,000'+ and make a final push through talus rocks to the summit. Be careful as you ascend the talus slope....rock and boulder hopping. Make sure your footing and hand holds are secure and stable on the rock. Take in amazing vistas from the top. Two thumbs up!

Bring enough water or filter to stay hydrated. The route is exposed to the sun above as the timberline thins out. Be watchful for thunderstorms as they tend to develop more frequently in mid summer. Wilderness permit is required because Pyramid Peak is within Desolation Wilderness. Permit is available/free at Pacific Ranger Station or Twin Bridges/Pyramid Creek trailhead.

 Video by Lifeisamt

Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout Via PCT 7/7/2017 - Pacific Crest Trail, Sierra City, CA

July 7, 2017

 

Hiking up Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout is an epic journey with amazing views from the top as you climb the steep stairs to reach the lookout. The Fire Lookout stands on top of one of the craggy buttes at 8,587 feet. Sweeping vistas in all directions are no doubt WOW! Sardine Lakes, peaks of Tahoe/Desolation Wilderness and as far as Mt. Lassen (100 miles away!) are seen along with nearby mountains like Haskell Peak.

The hike is 2.5 miles/1,800' gain one way via PCT while there are other longer routes to the lookout via Tamarack Lakes and Sierra City. As of July 7, 2017, there are some snow fields on trail, but they are short, not difficult to cross and probably will melt away in a week or two. Stay on track as the trail disappears here and there under the snow. Wildflowers are blooming and beautiful, but may not last that long as the summer's heat continues.

The lookout was built in 1915, one of many in the greater Tahoe region. The stairs to the lookout was constructed by five Tahoe National Forest employees in the summer of 1964 to make it possible for visitors to climb to the lookout with ease and safety.

For a side trip, you can drive to Sardine Lake Resort at Lower Sardine Lake for a breathtaking view of Sierra Buttes rising above the lake. Also, another option would be to drive a short distance to Frazier Falls near Gold Lake. A paved trail (1/2 mile one way) takes you to the beautiful waterfalls.

 

 

Video by Lifeisamt

Hike up Ralston Peak 6/30/2017 - Desolation Wilderness, CA

June 30, 2017

Wow! Amazing hike with spectacular vistas in all directions....Desolation Wilderness, surrounding peaks and alpine lakes, Lake Tahoe and many other peaks of northern High Sierra as far as you can see! It's a strenuous hike with high altitudes/9,200', gaining 2,800' in 3 - 4 miles depending on routes. But, the reward at the summit blows you away! Two thumbs up!!

The trail is mostly dry and in good condition with one blowdown (minor). As of June 31, there are some snow fields to cross between 8,300' and 9,000', but nothing to worry about as they are easy to cross. (Water proof boots recommended, however.) Most of the snow along the trail will probably melt away in a week or so.

Looking down from high above, the core zone of Desolation Wilderness still looks covered with ice and snow where Tamarack Lake, Ralston Lake, Lake of the Woods and Lake Aloha are.

Be safe out there and enjoy the hike!

 

 

Video by Lifeisamt