Lake Lillian, Lake Laura, Rampart Lakes 9.9.03

I had heard that there was a fisherman's trail to Lake Laura and Lake Lillian, and since I only had a half day to devote to hiking this week, Justin and I thought we would check it out. Instead of following the road to the traditional trailhead we turned at the swithchback with the sign pointing to the lake Lillian trailhead at approx 3300ft. The road is in good shape, follow the first right branch until you come to an elbow in the road. Here there is ample parking. Just follow the old logging road until it turns into a very steep and very defined fisherman's trail. The trail splits with the left branch going to Lake Laura and the right continues on to Lake Lillian. After a little over 30 minutes we were already at Lake Lillian. It had been many years since I had been there, but if memory serves me well it took around 2 hours the traditional way. I left Justin to do some fishing while I made an attempt at Rampart Ridge's highpoint (pt 5870). There is a clearly defined boot path on the northeast corner of Lake Lillian that climbs steeply to the ridge line. I followed this path until it splits just after the first tarn. I decided to follow the right path which I hoped would take me to the Rampart Lakes. The path was easy to follow and after about 45 minutes I was already at the uppermost Rampart Lake. I fished for a short while catching some nice cutts. Since time was short I headed back leaving the ridge high point un-climbed. While I was gone Justin had plenty of company, a group of eight had come and gone. We passed this group on the way down, I guess they figured they could use a shortcut as well. I gave two of them a ride back to their cars that were parked at the Lake Margaret trailhead so they could come back and pick up the remainder of their party.

Crawford Lake 9.3.03

The goal for this trip was to overnight at Crawford Lake and also visit Chetwoot Lake and if things went well Iron Cap Lake. As usual for me things don't always go as planned. I got an early start, for me anyway, but with the Middle Fork Rd as slow as usual I didn' reach the Dutch Miller Trailhead until nearly noon. By this time it was scorching hot with little wind to cool off. I reached Crawford Creek in an hour, but the plan was to jump off trail as high as possible. Just after I passed the creek I met three ladies on their way out. They had been at Williams Lk since Saturday and had gone to Chain Lakes as well as La Bohn Lakes. I exchanged pleasantaries and marveled at the ages of the woman. I mean no disrespect but I hope I am still carrying a full pack when I am their age. Shortly after passing the ladies I jumped of trail just before the trail starts to decline at approx 3600ft. I climbed a hundred or so feet before I realized this climb would be better suited for a half pack and a cool morning. I returned back to the trail and repassed (much to their suprise) the ladies and set up camp at one of the campsites near Crawford Crk. I lounged the rest of the day getting some much needed relaxation. I woke up a 6am and had breakfast and repacked(much lighter) and was off. I was very suprised that it was already quite warm. I again left trail this time climbing up steeply to catch the distinct ridge that I would follow most of the way to the lake. Things went pretty straight forward it does become quite steep from 4700 to 5000ft. At 5000ft I caught the outlet stream and followed it to the lake. I dropped pack and snapped some pictures and then was off to the saddle to the NW above the lake. I picked my way along the west side boulder fields and climbed to the small lake above Crawford. Much to my suprise it was mostly dried up. I climbed easily to the saddle and was treated to a perspective of the Alpine Lks that I am quite sure is seldom seen. I did not see an obvious route down to Chetwoot, I had planned on climbing over the much higher saddle to the NE of the lake. It seems like reaching that saddle wouldn't be too difficult. The drop from there seems much more safe. I dropped back to my pack taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery I have had the privilege to see. I then set off for the descent. Although I didn't have too much problem with the steep portion on the way up, it was much more difficult on the way down. I really wished I had an ice ax, due to the lack of any footing. I was much relieved when I dropped the steeper portion and returned to much easier lower slopes. The overall descent went much quicker than expected, and soon I was back to my tent. I packed up and was off to the truck.

Wildcat Lake, Upper Wildcat Lake, Caroline Lake 8.27.03

After Last weeks escapade only one member got a return invite. I was in the mood for a epic day hike and since Justin had only had one previous hike I thought why not. I gave Justin strict instructions to only go as far as he was comfortable and to remember every step in requires a step out. I thought that since there were 4 lakes along the way to today's destination (Lake Caroline) it would give him plenty of chances to stop early. We set off the from the Alpental parking lot in rather cool temps. It became quite apparent that Justin would do fine when I had a hard time staying with him to the saddle above Snow Lake. I was very pleased with the time we were making and the trail was in good shape so we pressed on to Gem Lake. It became very cool wet and windy at Gem so we only stayed for a few moments. The descent into Lower Wildcat went rather quickly and soon we were on the fishing trail to Upper Wildcat. Just stay on the main trail until it splits follow the left fork to the lake. The trail is somewhat steep in places but pretty staight forward to follow. Justin was very glad to see the beautiful campsite at Upper Wildcat. I than began the task of motivating myself to make my way to Caroline Lk. Last year I scouted out the route I would take today. Attaining the ridge to the north of Upper Wildcat is fairly simple I was able to find bits and pieces of trail tending to be on the ridgeline or somewhat north of it. There are a few points that you must descend and go around. I reached approx 4700ft and gave turning around some serious thought, but decided to press on. A short time later I found a very distinct trail leading to Caroline. The trail crests at around 4850 and descends to the lake. After nearly 5.5 hours since we left the car I had a much deserved lunch. I had planned on doing some fishing but time became an issue with only a little over 5 hours of light left and a long way to go to make it out. I made my way back to camp without too much difficulty. I took a few minutes to rest my feet before we hit the long way out. The trip out was as long as we could handle but we made it to the car looking a litte worse for wear.

Squaw Lake 8.20.03

I have always felt very lucky that I am able to spend as much time as I do in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Because of this I feel like it is important for me to share this with people who haven't had this type of exposure. I usually plan at least one trip with a group of people who have had somewhat limited time in the mountains. It usually quite a spectacle to see one of these motley crews coming up the trail. Today was no exception. There was 5 of us and 3 dogs for today's trip to Squaw Lake. I had picked this hike because it is quite short and limited on climbing. I also have seen some very big trout for some of the fisherman in the group. The trail was in much better shape than some of my companions, but we ended up making it there without too much damage to the group. All in all it was one of my more memorable days in the mountains. We did see some VERY big trout but none were landed.

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