The Enchantments via Aasgard Pass - Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA 9-14-2016

Panoramic view east of the Upper Enchantment from Isolation Lake - Little Annapurna (right) and Prusik Peak with The Temple(center) are seen on horizon.

Absolutely AMAZING hike! The Enchantments was on my bucket list for a long time and I finally made it there. I started the hike from Stuart Lake trailhead to Colchuck Lake and entered the Enchantments via Aasgard Pass. Very challenging hike, indeed. Mark my words....be "prepared/experienced" to do this hike - physically and mentally. But, the hike is absolutely worth the time and effort. One of the best and you'll never forget. Big effort, big reward!

My goal was to hike to the Enchantments and explore as much as I could for a day hike. I already knew it was almost insane, though it’s possible, to make a round trip hike through the entire Enchantments trail (18 miles one way!) in a single day unless you do "thru-hike" by entering from one end exiting to the other. So, I entered from Aasgard Pass and hiked the Upper and the Middle Enchantments, and turned around at Inspiration Lake so that I have enough time to descend Aasgard Pass before sunset as I wanted to avoid descending the steep pass in darkness. I returned to trailhead with my headlamp on. Total hiking time/distance - 12 hrs/16 miles RT. To make a day hike to the Enchantments, the earlier you start, the more you get to see. Attached video describes some details.

The Enchantments is truly an epic hike without exaggeration. It's strenuous and demanding (distance, elevation gain, altitude, variable terrains, route finding, weather) either for a day hike or overnight/backpacking. And yet, not only with "enchanting" beauty of magical landscape (alpine lakes, cirques, waterfalls, creeks, mountain peaks, rock formations, glaciers, meadows), but also wildlife and vegetation, the Enchantments offers the whole nine yards for those who seek pristine alpine lakes wilderness adventure. I saw mountain goats, marmots, pikas, chipmunks, deer and wild birds. Larches look just about to turn colors as temperature drops into autumn....perhaps, in a week or two.

Road condition
Icicle Creek Road is paved and Forest Service Road 7601 is a little bumpy dirt road with potholes. Potholes are not deep and easy to spot as you drive.

Trailhead
Stuart Lake Trailhead is fairly large, but it fills up fast. When I arrived a little after 9am/Thursday, the lot was almost full! There is a restroom. Day hikers must register at trailhead and overnight hikers must obtain a permit by the lottery system.

Colchuck Lake
I have hiked up to Colchuck Lake and snowshoed there before, so the route to the lake was not unfamiliar, but the trail gets steep and rocky as you go. The trail runs through the forest and you hike along a creek for the first half and cross two log bridges. About 2 miles in, you come to a Y section with trail signs on a tree - Colchuck Lake/Stuart Lake. Follow the trail to Colchuck Lake. The trail continues to climb steeply and gets really rocky and some sections have tree roots exposed. There are a couple of viewpoints (granite slabs) along the way. At about 4 miles, you reach the northwest side of the lake and the trail continues along the west side of the lake to the south shore.

Colchuck Lake is gorgeous and has a jaw-dropping scenery with jagged peaks surrounded. The water is so blue/green. The best view point of Colchuck Lake with Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak in the background is from the large granite slab about a hundred feet down to the lake from the toilet sign. I took a short break there enjoying the awesome view before continuing the hike to the south shore. You have a few options at Colchuck Lake....turn around and head back to trailhead, trek down to the beach on the north shore or hike to the south shore/beach. If you venture out toward the south side of the lake, you have another option to explore a small lake just west of Colchuck on the way to the south shore. To get to the south side of the lake, continue the main trail to the south along the west side of the lake. There are quite a few side trails branching out to camp sites, so pay attention to stay on the main trail. The trail eventually ends at the southwest end of the lake.

I guess it's up to personal preference, but in my opinion the view of the lake from the north is superior because the lake has a breathtaking backdrop of Drangontail Peak and Colchuck Peak to the south. However, either way, it's worth the effort to hike extra mile or so to reach the beach on the south shore. The beach is long enough to stroll back and forth.

Aasgard Pass
Colchuck Trail ends at the south shore of the lake. To reach the bottom (beginning) of Aasgard Pass, you can either trek down (rock hopping) to the beach or follow the rocky terrain marked with cairns towards Aasgard Pass.

Climbing route of Aasgard Pass begins in steep terrains of screes. Follow cairns and obvious traces of the route. Soon you start to see dirt exposed trail with switchbacks, and the route begins to climb very steeply gaining almost 2,000 feet in less than 1 mile. I found hiking poles useful, particularly when I was descending (saved my knees!). Although cairns are placed along the way, navigation skills are helpful for route finding. I noticed there are a few different routes leading up to the top of the pass. I read WTA's trail description and watched some YouTube clips to study the routes beforehand, and found ascending to the left of a cluster of the vegetation would be the best way. I actually tried two different routes as I ventured out to the right part of the way (the route close to the running stream) to see the waterfall. However, I soon realized it was steeper and eventually became impassable facing to big boulders at the waterfall. I had to trek back to the left again. So, I suggest to stay left as the trail description advises. I saw a mountain goat by the waterfall. He was munching grass and climbed up and down boulders. It was quite amazing to see the goat's athleticism before my eye! The trail relentlessly keeps going up and the climb seems endless!...and gets rockier and steeper. It also crosses the running stream a few times and a little scrambling (not so bad, no worries!) is needed for some sections for the last 1/3 of the climb. Just pace yourself and enjoy the view as you go. I know it's a metal challenge as well as physical. The higher you go, the better it gets. It took me 1.75 hrs to go up and 2 hrs to come down.

No pain, no gain. Celebrate and take in the breathtaking views from the top of Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet....yahoo! What a view!! Before your eye are Colchuck Lake, Dragontail Peak, Colchuck Peak, Cashmere Mountain and Eightmile Mountain and high peaks of the mountain loop highway/Glacier Peak/Mt. Baker/N. Cascades range juxtapose on the northwestern skyline.

The Enchantments
This is one of the most magical landscapes I've seen. It reminds me of somewhat Sierra Crest - High Sierras, and yet it’s different. Towering peaks and granite rock formations, cirques, tarns/alpine lakes and crystal clear streams, glaciers and snowfields, tundra meadows and vegetation, wildlife and larches....none of them seem to exist there by themselves, but each element is needed, connected and synchronized by nature’s own ecosystem and cycles. Wow, is this real? Yes, indeed. One of John Muir's quotes sinks in: "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe." It's something beyond description, something remarkably profound more than beautiful...."entrancing". I am glad the permit system is put in place to protect fragile ecosystems and reduce environmental impacts from potential human destruction and keep it wild and pristine.

Stopping by a little tarn (so green!) behind the pass, I began the journey to the Upper Enchantments. The main trail marked with cairns gently curves down toward Tranquil Lake and Isolation Lake. Moonscape-like landscape is just stunning…rocky and barren, but there is water here. The water of Isolation Lake is so clear and blue reflecting the sky. I scoped out the lake and crossed the snowfield a bit trekking toward the ridge of Dragontail (Witches Tower).

Leaving Isolation Lake behind, the trail gradually descends to an open plateau where small lakes and meadows are connected by streams. I could see Little Annapurna looming to the right and Prusik Peak on the eastern horizon. I saw two goats (mother and baby) on the lush alpine meadow where they were busy munching grass.

There is a snowfield to traverse on the way down to the next lower area where I experienced a little difficulty with route finding because somehow I couldn’t find (I missed?) cairns to guide me on. I had a GPS map on my phone, but didn’t provide me a clear clue for directions. Then, I saw a few backpackers traversing the other side of the snowfield. So, I followed their way. Right on! Back on track, I reached Crystal Lake's view point on the granite slab. The lake is deep blue and tucked in right by McClellan Peak and the Ingalls Creek valley down below.

The trail continues to drop down steeply and now I entered the Middle Enchantments. I noticed larches along the trail and their colors are slightly changing to light green/yellow. It’ll be spectacular to see golden larches in the Enchantments. Inspiration Lake looks very dramatic in such a deep blue color and surrounded by Enchantment Peak and massive granite walls with larches growing. Perfection Lake is also seen just down below in a short distance and Prusik Peak looms over the eastern skyline. At this point after 4 pm, I decided to turn around and head back to Aasgard Pass so that I would have enough time to descend the pass before sunset.

It took a little longer to descend the pass because of its steepness. Although the downhill was really exhausting (it took 2 hrs!), when I reached Colchuck Lake, I saw spectacular alpenglow over Aasgard Pass and peaks....wow! My exhaustion was almost gone when I saw that. I trekked on the beach back to catch the main trail and got back to trailhead around 10 pm....my legs were sore, to be honest! I’d like to go back to the Enchantments again to see fall colors and I’ll start the hike from Snow Lake trailhead instead. By doing so, I can get to see the Enchantments from lower to upper next time.

As a side note, I ran out of water right before descending Aasgard Pass....schmuck! :( Luckily I met a generous couple (Lizzy and Theo) at the pass who had a filter and gave me some of their water. THANK YOU, guys! You really saved my life, no kidding. Otherwise, without that, I might not have made it back to trailhead. So, I highly recommend bringing a filter for this hike unless you want to carry gallons of water. There are many lakes and streams in the Enchantments. Also, it would be wise to bring a headlamp and enough food and gear just in case. And, a map and a compass....you never know. Safe journey and happy hiking! :)

(L-R:clockwise) Mountain Goat on Aasgard Pass, Colchuck Lake seen from the half way up to Aasgard Pass, Little Annapurna, Larch turning colors, Crystal Lake with McClellan Peak, Prusik Peak with The Temple seen from the MIddle Enchantments; (center) Aasgard Pass.

The Middle Enchantments - Inspiration Lake with Enchantment Peak and Prusik Peak with The Temple over the eastern skyline.

Sunset view from Colchuck Lake south shore beach - alpenglow over Aasgard Pass.

Alpenglow at sunset over Aasgard Pass and peaks(Dragontail/far right) with Colchuck Lake in foreground and Cashmere Mountain in the distance.

Sourdough Mountain - N. Cascades, WA 9-9-2016

No pain, no gain! This is a tough hike gaining 5,100 vertical feet in 5.2 miles, but the reward of reaching the summit and the lookout is tremendous with jaw dropping vistas of N. Cascades peaks/glaciers/valleys, Ross Lake and Diablo Lake. And, a sense of big accomplishment echoes within no doubt. If you want a physical (and also mental) challenge to earn amazing landscape and mountain views for your hike, this is a good one to try.

Trailhead
There is a big trail sign on Diablo St. Park your car along the street. There is a storage(?) building right there. You'll see a trail information board on the left of the building, but the actual trail is located behind the building on the right side.

Sourdough Mountain
The trail climbs steeply in the first 3.5 miles. You'll notice trail's steep grade from the beginning as the first 2 miles gain 3,000 vertical feet, which reminded me of the steep trails of Mailbox Old Trail and Mt. Rose. The journey goes through the dense forest and lush vegetation about 3 miles (making you feel it's endless!) until the treeline gradually thins out. To some point, I felt like meditating (mental challenge!), except I had to keep trekking instead of being still. In about 3.5 miles, views finally start to open. As you continue to gain elevations, the view gets better and better....wow! There is a creek to cross at Sourdough Camp, but it's almost completely dry and just a little streak of water running. So, bring enough water with you for this strenuous hike.

The last mile or so climbs the steep face of the mountain's hillside with switchbacks and gets a little rocky here and there. Wildflowers (paintbrush) are still blooming and fall colors are starting to show, too. And, there are so many wild berries there! Ripe and sweet!! I think I picked at least a half pint or so munching them along the way to the top. Yum!! Rejuvenated with berries sweet power, the final push to the summit felt a bit easier.

Lookout
To reach the lookout on the summit, continue to the right (east) following the trail, and soon you'll see the lookout standing on the hilltop not so far. The trail moderately gains elevation to the lookout in a short distance about 1/3 mile.

Take in the fantastic views! Wow! Before you is the reward after the grueling march ascending 5,100 feet! Spectacular vistas of high peaks and valleys of N. Cascades in all directions as far as you can see and Ross Lake and Diablo Lake down below. The colors of the lakes are amazing - deep blue and emerald green...another Wow moment. The summit is fairly spacious and covered with granite slabs/rocks so you can explore the area around the lookout (keep "minimum impact" in mind) and enjoy different perspectives of the views and terrains. You'll come to know why this mountain top was chosen for the "lookout" point.

The lookout is locked/closed to the public and it's the National Historic Lookout Register. It was one of the first lookout points established by the USFS in1915. Through the window you can observe what's inside. Items displayed inside look interesting....it's like a museum.

I guess this hike may be intimidating, probably because of the elevation gain for the distance with the steep trail, but it's doable if you are a fit or seasoned hiker. Just take your time and pace yourself. The reward you see from the top is beyond description. It took me 3 hrs going up and 2.5 hrs coming down. Hiking poles are useful to save your knees, specially in descending the last 2 miles/3,000 feet vertical down to the trailhead. And....pick a clear day to do this hike so that your sweat and effort are better rewarded with the breathtaking views at the top. Big effort, fantastic reward. Happy hiking! :)

 

 

Excelsior Pass and Excelsior Peak - Mt. Baker, WA 8-30-2016

This is a great workout hike through the forest with spectacular views on top and also offers multiple options to explore other junction trails for additional hikes, backpacking and camping. I always wondered about Excelsior Pass Trail because I notice the trailhead whenever I drive on SR 542 on the way to Mt. Baker. So, I am glad I finally took the time to hike this trail.

Trailhead
Trailhead is located about 8 miles east of Glacier on SR 542. It has a small parking lot with restroom.

Excelsior Pass
The trail is in great condition all the way. There is a blow down blocking the trail in about 3 miles, but it's easy to go around. The trails climbs steadily from the beginning all the way through the forest until it breaks out into open meadows on the hillside in 4 miles. It's a gruel marching up and up with switchbacks. This hike gains 3,500+ feet in 4.5 miles. In about a mile, there is a waterfall streaming down on a slanted granite slab. There isn't much water running now, but it's still nice to see the waterfall. By the way, there is a small underground cave along the trail about 1/4(?) mile before you come to the waterfall. The cave looks going down pretty deep....maybe the hidden entrance to Middle-earth??? The trail continues to climb up and up another 3 miles or so and views open up as the treeline thins out. There are wild berries along the trail....and they are ripe and sweet!! The last 1/2 mile to the pass traverses a beautiful hillside meadow with wildflowers, wild berries, and fantastic views of Mt. Baker and the valley down below. Take time to enjoy the views.

Excelsior Peak
There are a few options to explore after you reach Excelsior Pass. The trail junctions with Damfino Lakes Trail and High Divide Trail which also junctions with Excelsior Peak. My time was limited, so I took the path to Excelsior Peak which you can summit in about 1/2 mile. To reach Excelsior Peak, take High Divide Trail and go left at the Y. The trail begins to climb soon toward the peak as you see it. The last 1/4 mile to the summit gets steep, however. Take in the sweeping views of 360 panorama from the top!....Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, N. Cascades, Church Mountain, Canadian peaks and more far and near. Bellingham, San Juans and BC may be seen when the sky is clear.

Excelsior Pass trail is a great hike with lots of options to explore. Even though it's a bit strenuous hike to reach the pass, this hike is worth the effort for the spectacular views and landscape as a reward.

 

Plummer Peak via Pinnacle Saddle - Mt. Rainier, WA 8-27-2016

Ditch the crowd in Paradise! The hike to Pinnacle Saddle and Plummer Peak is an easy short hike with moderately steep trail, and views are FANTASTIC....and less crowded! Perhaps, one of the best and breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier you can get with less effort.

To get to Plummer Peak, go right/to the west from Pinnacle Saddle. If you go left/to the east, that's climbers route for Pinnacle Peak and the Castle. Soon after you trek down the trail from Pinnacle Saddle towards Plummer Peak, from the main trail there is a sandy trail going uphill to your right. Take that sandy trail to hike up the slope which leads you to the route to Plummer along the saddle. You can actually see it along the saddle if you look up toward Plummer when you approach Pinnacle Saddle.

The trail runs along the saddle and sits on a steep gully, but it is in good shape and solid. So, just traverse carefully. Mt. Rainier to your right and Pinnacle Peak behind you....wow, what a view! The trail gets a little rocky part of the way, but fairly easy hike. In a little over 1/2 mile(?) from the saddle, you reach the top of Plummer Peak. Easy scrambling is needed to get to the summit rock.

Wow, sweeping panoramic views in all directions!....Mt. Rainier, Pinnacle Peak, the Castle, Unicorn Peak, Goat Rocks, Mt. Adams, Mount St. Helens and more peaks and ranges far and near. I could see lots of cars in Paradise....crowded!

If you want amazing views from Tatoosh range, I highly recommend Plummer Peak. Perhaps, you can combine with other hikes for a day hike as it's a easy and short hike. By the way, I noticed colors are changing....summer is almost over! Get out there and enjoy every bit of the summer hiking before it's gone! Cheers!!

Hidden Lake Lookout - N. Cascades, WA 8-25-2016

This is a great hike with jaw dropping views of N. Cascades including Mt. Baker, Glacier Peak and Mt. Rainier. If you like the hike of Cascade Pass/Sahale Arm, this hike will not fail you with sweeping vistas of amazing landscape and mountain ranges. However, no pain, no gain....be prepared for a strenuous journey as the trail continuously climbs up and up, and even gets rocky. Wildflowers are still blooming strong, particularly paintbrush is abundant at this point. But, summer is fading....so that could change any time soon.

The lookout is going through re-roofing now and the work may continue for a week. I saw two guys (Robert and Ethan) working on the roof. Many thanks for their work and dedication!....I should have brought them a bottle of sake for kampai (cheeres)! It made me realize once again the fact that it does take time and effort to preserve history and wilderness. Hike up there and witness the history and appreciate their work while re-roofing is in progress or completed.

Road condition
Cascade River Road is paved and in great condition. Drive about 10 miles to the junction/FS 1540. There is a sign for the Hidden Lake Trail. FS1540 is a narrow dirt road (rutted, rocky, pot holes). So, go slow and take it easy. My sedan could handle the road with no problem. In 4.5 miles you reach trailhead. There is one section on the road where it gets really narrow due to washout, but the spot is well marked with a white stick, so pay attention as you go....you don't want to drive off the edge!

Trailhead
Parking lot is small. When you park in the lot or on the road, make sure to leave enough room for other cars to drive in/out. No privy at trailhead.

Hidden Lake
The journey begins in the forest and the trail climbs steadily. In about one mile, views open up as the treeline thins out and you come to green meadows on the hillside in the valley. Wow, wildflowers galore! The higher you go, the more flowers blooming....particularly, paintbrush. The trail continues to climb steadily with switchbacks for another 1.5 miles or so. As you reach the saddle, look for Mt. Baker looming over the skyline. The trail levels out along the saddle. After the breather for 1/2 mile, the trail climbs up again and gets rocky. The views get better and better as elevation gains, however. Trekking up the steep and rocky trail about 1.5 miles, you reach the bottom of the summit block of Hidden Lake Lookout. From there, zoom in and look for the lookout sitting on a granite boulder pile at 6,900 feet. What a view! The trail continues to the ridge where Hidden Lake can be seen down below. There are some snow fields to traverse about 200 feet or so....it's slushy, but easy to cross. Enjoy the view of Hidden Lake!....with Forbidden Peak/Boston Peak/Sahale Arm/Johannesburg in background. Cascade Pass (another amazing hike!) is somewhere behind Johannesburg, you can visualize.

Lookout
The trail continues from the viewpoint of Hidden Lake. To reach the lookout, follow the steep trail climbing up with switchbacks to the summit. It's pretty steep ascent, but the route is solid with switchbacks....hopefully, you are not acrophobia!? A little scrambling and rock hopping are needed for the final push to the lookout.

Wow! Take in the sweeping vistas in all directions! Splendid! 360 panorama of jagged N. Cascades peaks with Hidden Lake as foreground, including Eldorado, Forbidden, Boston Peak, Sahale Mountain, Johannesburg, Spider Mountain, Mt. Formidable, Snowking Mountain and more. Glacier Peak, Mt. Baker, and Mt. Rainier are seen in the distance. When you stand on one of the pointy granite rocks and view those craggy peaks far and near, it almost makes you feel like you are standing on the Himalayas. It was also nice to happen to witness the work of re-roofing the lookout. Can you imagine what it would be like roofing the lookout standing on top of the granite boulder pile at 6,900 feet?

This hike is definitely one of the top 10 hikes among my favorites now....not only spectacular views, landscape, wildflowers and lookout, but also the hike gives you a sense of the experience of being out in a remote alpine wilderness. With extra sweat and effort, the reward you'll see is AWESOME! This is a hike that should be on your hiking list as a PNW hiker!!

Taft Point and Sentinel Dome - Yosemite National Park, CA

Trailhead - Taft Point/Sentinel Dome

2.4 miles RT/Taft Point

2.1 miles RT/Sentinel Dome

400'+ Elevation gain

Taft Point

Taft Point offers one of the most breathtaking (and it might really take your breath away for its sheer drop!) views of Yosemite Valley. And it's only a little over 1 mile without much elevation gain to get there.

Driving for Glacier Point on Glacier Point Road, just before arriving Glacier Point, there is a parking lot for the Taft Point/Sentinel Dome
 
The hike is easy for family and kids as well. Just hiking a little over a mile, you can get to see jaw-dropping vistas of the Yosemite Valley with El Capitan and other well-known granite statues of Yosemite.  DO NOT stand close to the edge along Taft Point.  It's sheer drop!  If you are with little children, make sure to keep them stay with you and away from the edge.  If you are acrophobia, don't look down.

The hike also shows amazing formations of the fissures which visually illustrate the Yosemite Valley's geological formation before your eye.  Like Glacier Point, Taft Point can be also best experienced at sunset, overlooking the beauty of El Capitan and the Yosemite Valley.


Sentinel Dome

Sentinel Dome is, perhaps, one of the Yosemite's easiest hikes to experience spectacular panoramic views of the Yosemite Valley in all directions and beyond including peaks of High Sierras and Sierra Crest. When the skies are clear, you can see:

To the west....Yosemite Valley and all the way to the Merced River canyon.
To the north....Yosemite Valley with El Capitan, Eagle Peak and Yosemite Falls.
To the east....Nevada Fall, Half Dome, North Dome, Clouds Rest, Mt. Watkins and more.
To the south....Horse Ridge/Buena Vista Crest in Yosemite Wilderness.

Famous Jeffrey Pine on Sentinel Dome

The dead tree on Sentinel Dome is the Jeffrey pine that became world famous for the 1940 Ansel Adams photo. The tree was killed by drought in 1977 and fell over in 2003. And yet, it still exists there as its legacy continues.

The hike to Sentinel Dome is easy and pleasant like Taft Point although it gets a little rocky part of the way and climbs the moderately steep face of the dome to the top for a short distance.

For an option to combine hiking Taft Point and Sentinel Dome, you can hike along a loop trail connecting Taft Point and Sentinel Dome instead of making back and forth hikes to the trailhead to do both hikes. The loop trail travels facing to the Yosemite Valley off and on with stunning views of the Yosemite Valley....and the trail is less crowded and quieter if you prefer.  You can also hike to Glacier Point from Sentinel Dome in 1.6 miles.

Horsetail Falls - South Lake Tahoe, CA

Trailhead - Pyramid Creek/Twin Bridges on US 50
5 miles (?) RT
800+ (?) Elevation gain

This is a very popular hike along HWY 50 on the way to South Lake Tahoe. It is a short hike, but the trail climbs steeply toward the magnificent Horsetail Falls.  The trail may get a bit sketchy where you traverse those giant granite slabs, but generally easy to follow along the trail. There are many short trails branching out to the creek from the main trail, so don't get confused or lost.  Most hikers end their journey at the bottom of the falls unless you are confident enough to scramble the steep rock slabs to the top of the falls.  If you are to tackle the way up to the top, use caution as those granite slabs can be very slippery because of the splashing water from the falls.  Also, route finding skills are a must as there is no well established route to reach all the way to the top.

As informed by the rangers at the trailhead, the route I was advised to take to the top of the falls was climbing to the left from the big granite slab where you come to choose either go to the right or to the left.  Going to the right can be very slippery.  Scrambling up to the left eventually leads you to a partially established trail through screes/talus rocks and boulders and in time and effort gets you to the top.  Some scrambling necessary, however. There are cairns along the route which also help and guide you on the way up to the top and on the way to come down. 

Enjoy the views of the Horsetail falls from above!  Magnificent and powerful falls.  You can trek around Avalanche Lake to explore the alpine wilderness.  If you are backpacking, Avalanche Lake will be a perfect site for overnight, or you can continue to hike farther deep into Desolation Wilderness if you are an experienced backpacker. 

 

Lake Aloha - Desolation Wilderness, CA

Trailhead - Echo Lake

15 miles RT

1770' elevation gain

Difficulty: Moderate

This is a long day hike/15 miles RT from Echo Lake passing 5 alpine lakes to reach Lake Aloha  - a prime swimming spot of beautiful Desolation Wilderness.  The hike to Lake Aloha is a must do hike in Desolation Wilderness to experience what Desolation Wilderness offers....alpine lakes, wildflowers, wildlife, alpine peaks and a remote sense of wilderness. 

The trail is mostly flat through the hike with some sections of elevation gain, and also gets rocky part of the way. You will pass by 5 lakes in this hike. Enjoy the views of the alpine lakes....and swimming if you like! I saw hikers sunbathing, napping and of course, swimming in the lake(s)....there is no better way to relax than swimming after a long hike in a hot summer day! Lake Aloha is gorgeous with pristine water surrounded by alpine boulders and picturesque peaks. It's a great place for camping and backpacking so that you can explore the area more leisurely. 

For a side trip, I recommend to stop by Lake of the Woods located near Lake Aloha.  You can hike there on the way to/from Lake Aloha as the trail sign directs.