Round Top Peak Via PCT Winnemucca Lake - Carson Pass, CA

7/12/2017

Pristine alpine lakes, creeks, lush valley, forest and mountain views with displays of colorful summer's wildflowers, wow! This hike has it all. Amazing hike to Round Top Peak with gorgeous views and wildflowers via PCT - Winnemucca Lake from Carson Pass. As of July 12, the first mile or so from Carson Pass trailhead is snow free, and thereafter patches and fields of snow still remain here and there along the trail. The route to Round Top Lake and Round Top Peak is still under snow/2 - 3 feet deep. The saddle to the summit is snow free.

Wildflowers galore!....Tahoe mule ears, paintbrush, lupine....just name a few.  Many wildflowers are blooming along the trail, particularly by Winnemucca Lake. Also, around Frog Lake. 

Round Top Peak (10,381') is one of the three prominent peaks above 10,000 feet in Lake Tahoe region. The other two are Freel Peak(10,881') and Mt. Rose (10,776'). The easiest approach to summit is from the west ridge and Class 2 scrambling to the top. The route to the saddle is steep and still snow covered and slushy/slippery, so hiking poles and micro-spikes are useful if you aim to summit anytime soon. Enjoy sweeping views from the top in all directions! Be careful at the top as the summit is small and narrow.

Carson Pass was a historic pass during the California Gold Rush and PCT traverses the pass. Carson Pass also has a California Historical Landmark (#315) where Kit Carson carved his name on a tree. Kit Carson was a guide to lead the 1844 Fremont Expedition.

There were quite a few PCT thru hikers seen on trail traveling north. Wish them safe journey and good luck!

Carson Pass Information Center at trailhead....stop by for update info, permit, fees. The staff are very helpful.

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

Mt. Baker Snowshoe - Artist Point & Huntoon Point - Mt. Baker, WA

May 9, 2017

Spring snowshoeing at Mt. Baker! The road is snow/ice free to the parking lot at the end of the road, The road to Heather Meadow and Artist Point is still closed. The snow is still deep and plenty in the mountain. It'll be a while to melt away. I hiked up to Artist Point and also took a side trip to Huntoon Point. The views were spectacular with some clouds forming over the mountains.....Mt. Shaksun, Mt. Baker, Table Mountain, Glacier Peak, Baker Lake and US/Canadian border peaks. I almost had the entire mountain just for myself until I saw a couple of campers and skiers. This is one of my favorite hikes whenever I do for all seasons, snow white mountains and landscape in winter/spring or carpets of wildflowers and meadows in summer/fall.

For this trip report:

http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-rep...

 Video by Lifeisamt