We started at crabtree, down into pine valley, past grouse lake and up over the groundhog meadow pass into louse canyon. Float tubes, emigrant wilderness check dams, fishing on the wild side. Youll need a permit for this loop so make sure to stop by the summit district ranger station in pinecrest. We stopped on the shore to begin the futile task of trying to filter water. Ben schifrin in his 1980 book, emigrant wilderness and northwestern yosemite, says that lower wire lake is his. Another adventure run into the emigrant wilderness, this time a spectacular offtrail loop departing the pine valley trail at louse canyon and including hyatt lake, big lake and pingree lake complete photo album here. Emigrant wilderness california 2020 all you need to know. And northwestern yosemite by ben schifrin 1990, paperback at the best online prices at ebay. Best hiking trails in emigrant wilderness california. Its about 9 miles on trail up pine valley from the crabtree trailhead. Fly fishing in the emigrant wilderness during the spring of 2016. Emigrant wilderness the emigrant wilderness is a 1,000acre, protected area that lies near the borders of yosemite national park.
Maps, miles, elevations of mosquito pass route off tyt to emigrant, bluebird, maxwell lakes. Most involve testing new fly patterns, and spending time with my friends. Emigrant wilderness sierra nevada kingdom california. According to my emigrant wilderness book, there are brookies and. For more info on how to protect your food and sierra bears check out the bear section. At one point camera zooms to rock on hill on ridge above whitesides meadow where we. Tom harrison maps have quickly become the favorites of back country travelers. Sep 17, 2015 went backpacking and fishing to emigrant wilderness. Fly fishing eastern sierra streams, where to go, what to use, and how to get there. Buck lakes are tucked away deep in the emigrant wilderness, with 20 other lakes within a three mile radius. It is an elongated area that extends northeast about 25 miles 40 km in length and up to 15 miles 24 km in width. This backpack trip will travel through emigrant wilderness and just north of the yosemite national park boundary. Next up was deer lake prettier and larger than jewelry lake. For fishing, deer lake may have been a little too cold, although we tried.
Stanislaus national forest hiking permits, information, contacts. The emigrant is most easily accessible from hwy 108 past the town of twain harte with many visitors entering from near pinecrest lake or kennedy meadows. Articles related to fishing in californias sierra nevada. Emigrant wilderness, from peak above wire lake c0030. Just back from a wonderful trip this last weekend, leaving from crabtree cabin for a series of lakes in the backcountry of emigrant wilderness. We focused on the stream coming in to the lake as we could see all the fish sitting. It is bordered by yosemite national park on the south, the toiyabe national forest and the hoover wilderness on the east, and state route 108 over sonora pass on the north. Wed planned a loop of sorts, leavitt lake, over to high emigrant lake, down to emigrant lake, over to huckleberry, around to cow meadow lake and back to emigrant, exiting via. Ive used all of these phrases at one time or another to describe the fly fishing in the emigrant wilderness.
Lake mile 16, where the combination of skyward granite, alpine pool, and rainbow trout make for the most picturesque fishing imaginable. There are plenty of horses to get you there but nows the time to plan. Huckleberry lake, emigrant wilderness register forum list calendar active topics forum help. The gianelli trailead when i first started fly fishing the emigrant wilderness, i would hear stores of the big brook trout one could find off the gianelli cabin. Kennedy lake has become a classic destination in the emigrant wilderness. The emigrant wilderness of stanislaus national forest is a wilderness area in the sierra nevada. Sep 29, 2010 the emigrant, carsoniceberg and hoover wilderness areas of the central sierra offer superb trout fishing in a pristine alpine setting. Emigrant wilderness may 2012 crabtree to buck lake loop. The lonely backcountry lakes of the emigrant wilderness. It is accessible only to hikers and equestrians via the popular deer lake trail.
Emigrant wilderness trail map, a shaded relief trail map by tom harrison. Blue lakes, beautiful granite and forests, trout fishing, and hiking to reset mind, body and. Emigrant wilderness backpacking features on this page trails and lakes opened up backpacking south over mosquito pass. In general, trout fishing is excellent in emigrant wilderness. The trail to bear lake an easy trek to a secluded lake. Bear lake rests on lily creek just inside the emigrant wilderness. The trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is best used from august until september. Terrain varies from rolling hills to ridges and granite domes, with many lakes surrounded by stands of lodgepole pine. The streams are subject to heavy runoff from the winter snows and the streambeds are scoured leaving little habitat for much insect activity.
Swim in beautiful alpine lakes and creeks and enjoy great company. Emigrant lake has a reputation for being one of the leading fishing spots in the emigrant wilderness. Night 2835f day 5060f crabtree trail head to upper buck loop. The weather was beautiful and we had just missed heavy rains and a little bit of snow two weeks before. The weekend started benignly enough, roger i met at the kennedy meadows campground on saturday for a week of backpacking and fishing in the emigrant wilderness. Soaring peaks cradle the lake on three sides while acres of lush meadow spread at its foot. You do have to do a little research before you go, though, as many lakes are fishless, which is pretty much the norm in the high sierra. Emigrant wilderness huckleberry lake w ords, and even pictures, cannot capture the beauty of the emigrant wilderness, we visited recently. Stanislaus national forest hiking permits, information.
We hiked about 25 miles in this area over the course of four days. Cross country backpack journey emigrant wilderness. It was probably more with all the zig zagging we did on the off trail section. But at least we could enjoy the scenery while we were there. Looking for a great trail in emigrant wilderness, california.
Can be a bit annoying when its crowded with backpackersbut amazing when you get to the. Buck lakes fishing emigrant wilderness daves sierra fishing. Can be a bit annoying when its crowded with backpackersbut amazing when you get to the lakeand super refreshing to take a little swim. Just north of yosemite national park area, it is at the junction of the volcanic formations characteristic of the sierra to the north and the granite mountains found farther south. There are epic views of lower lewis lake, several hundred feet below. Some are wide, classic mountain lakes while others are quiet, little gems hidden away in the forest. Once a good fishing lake for brook trout, camp lake is no longer stocked by. Emigrant wilderness loop trail closed california alltrails. It was unbelievably beautiful, had tons of trout for fishing, and was a prime starting point to summit granite dome. For the second year in a row though, fishing was almost a dud. Camped at relief reservoir, emigrant lake, huckleberry lake, and deer lake.
Only a singledays hike from the trailhead, it is easily done as a weekend trip. Campfires are prohibited above 9000 feet, and no campfires are allowed within. Includes details of wilderness areas, latest sierra wilderness news, resources for planning your trip, and notes from professionals in the field. Jul 09, 2016 but the miles clicked right along, up over one ridge, down into the valley, back up over the next ridge,,and on and on. Emigrant wilderness, lewis lakes, start at kennedy meadows. The emigrant wilderness is over 100,000 acres with over 80 lakes within a granite basin filled with granitic domes, ridges, and small hills. In a couple of weeks, ill be backpacking in the emigrant wilderness for the first time for four days and four nights.
I did not personal know christopher andrews, but upon reading the article in the sf gatechronicle of how he had backpacked alone into the emigrant wilderness, i was dismayed by the number of comments posted on the story of his death that were quick to question his judgment to go alone and to do so considering that he was a parent with two. And if you have a fishing report, come on in and cast it in the fishing hole. Most of the lakes are surrounded by lodgepole pine. Its been a little over a year and a half since my total knee. You could spend days exploring the area around deer lake and never grow weary of your exploits. Best trails in emigrant wilderness california alltrails. Emigrant wilderness stanislaus national forest dates. A wilderness permit is required for camping, you can learn more here. The emigrant wilderness is one of the bestkept secrets of the high sierra.
Backpack gem lake loop in emigrant wilderness, crabtree trailhead. Emigrant wilderness california 2020 all you need to. Fine four day backpacking trip in emigrant wilderness. The lake is considered a premier destination for the emigrant wilderness. May 2629 appx 30 mile loop tom harrison trail map temp. Camp lake is a small tarn located in the emigrant wilderness in tuolumne county, california, approximately 10 km 6. If you should seek other waters, nearby emigrant lake should be just what you were seeking. Best hiking trails in emigrant wilderness california gaia gps. All three of these wilderness areas can offer excellent trout fishing, but the emigrant is the crown jewel for wild trout. Since the dam has been removed the fishing habitat has deminished. Backpack through yosemite national park with the sierra club.
The emigrant, carsoniceberg and hoover wilderness areas of the central sierra offer superb trout fishing in a pristine alpine setting. Crabtree trail emigrant wilderness stanislaus national forest ca. Includes contours, camping spots, trails, and more. Emigrant wilderness is a protected area in california. We drove an hour from sonora, ca to enter the emigrant wilderness, part of stanislaus national forest. Emigrant wilderness has 50 trails in the vicinity, including 37 hiking trails, 25 for walking and 47 for other activities. She was wearing an expedition pack just line mine and i like to imagine that she lived on the trail, roaming the mountains for weeks at a time, living off the land and fiercely protecting the wilderness from cavalier idiots like me. Emigrant wilderness and northwestern yosemite by ben schifrin. Starting at the base of the mountain near summit creek, locate the saddle. Emigrant wilderness backpacking maps, miles, permits. Fishing the emigrant wilderness lets you get off the beaten path, take in the breathtaking beauty of the high sierra and keep yourself supplied. Calavaras and summit ranger districts along tahoe to yosemite trail route through mokelumne, carson iceberg, and emigrant wilderness. This peaceful little lake makes a great early season hike as well as an easy trek for those wishing to get away for the weekend without spending all day on the trail.
Deer lake rests deep in the emigrant wilderness amidst dozens of other lakes, each one as scenic and inviting as the next. Emigrant wildernesswestside sierra fly fishing the sierra. Includes more than 20 destinations in the stanislaus national forest area, foothills, sierra, yosemite, and eastern sierra. Emigrant wilderness read what mike find out about it. Entering the emigrant wilderness, near pinecrest at the crabtree trailhead, we will be hiking past many beautiful lakes and volcanic, granite peaks and domes within the central california sierra nevada. But the miles clicked right along, up over one ridge, down into the valley, back up over the next ridge,,and on and on. I started the emigrant trail at gianelli cabin trailhead near pinecrest in stanislaus national forest.
We started our trip with a drive from oakland, ca with a few friends and dogs in tow, stopping at the summit ranger station to obtain our permits for the emigrant wilderness overnight, then continuing on forest roads to the crabtree trailhead. Shallows along the shore have prompted some to pack in float tubes in order to gain access to the deeper regions of the lake. Beautiful little sharon lake, tucked high on a mountain side above the kennedy creek canyon, offers spectacular views the surrounding country and quiet fishing far away from the crowds. The trail to deer lake wildflowers, panoramic views, tranquil lakes. Jan 19, 2016 we started our trip with a drive from oakland, ca with a few friends and dogs in tow, stopping at the summit ranger station to obtain our permits for the emigrant wilderness overnight, then continuing on forest roads to the crabtree trailhead. The gem lake loop is located in emigrant wilderness, which borders stanislaus national forest and yosemite national park, and offers incredible views, smaller crowds, and diverse terrain. A dam was removed that had allowed large brookies within the shallows and large rainbow within the deeper sections. Emigrant wilderness backpacking maps, miles, permits, information. Jun 14, 2016 fly fishing in the emigrant wilderness during the spring of 2016. This wilderness harbors trophy fish for those willing to trek deep into the backcountry.
We were hoping to make a loop from crabtree trail head to deer lake piute lake, gem lake on one way and follow the meadow creek to. Emigrant wilderness, crabtree trailhead to gem lake ben. Wire lake to spring meadow route hiking trail, twain harte. The trip to sharon lake is best combined with other destinations within the emigrant wilderness.
Emigrant lake backpack trail across the heart of the emigrant wilderness. Camp at a different lake each night and spend a layover day in yosemite national park. Home forums campfire posttrip reports emigrant wilderness may 2012 crabtree to buck lake loop viewing 10 posts 1 through 10 of 10 total forums are supported by our merchant partners disclosure rei coupons zpacks hyperlite patagonia arcteryx rbtr drop backcountry feathered friends. Emigrant wilderness and northwestern yosemite book. Whether you carry your own pack or arrange to be packed in by kennedy meadows pack station, emigrant lake is the perfect basecamp for exploring the dozens of lakes scattered about the wilderness just north of yosemite national park. Headed to crabtree trail, and took the trail to camp lake. Two men were fishing on some rocks jutting out into the lake. Rainbow and brook trout are well established in the lake. Sierra north is the leading backpacking resource for backpacking in the northern sierra. When photographer mike shea of grass valley couldnt get answers to his questions about how the lakes of the emigrant wilderness received their names, he decided to find out and write a book about it.
Since no hikers had been out and back, they had little information about the condition of the. Our first clue was the more than fifty cars at the trailhead. Sure, some of those other lakes require a lot of upanddown and roundabout hiking, but buck lakes will provide enough great fishing to keep you busy for a long weekend in the back country. This guidebook to the emigrant wilderness covers all the areas trails, as well as fishing options, climbing routes, mountain biking, winter recreation, natural history, and horsepacking. Cross country backpack journey emigrant wilderness sierra.
From the south, the wilderness is accessible from cherry lake, along the border with yosemite national park. Fishing is good in the lake and even better along kennedy creek. For sources generally further than 50 km from a class i area, the visibility threshold for concern is not exceeded if the 98th %ile change in light extinction is. The emigrant wilderness is a federal wilderness area directly to the east of stockton, california. Aug 25, 2011 like the backpacking forum, the collective knowledge of members who frequent the fishing hole rivals anything else youll find on the internet covering this topic. Emigrant wilderness and northwestern yosemite book pdf. If its related to fishing in the high country of the sierra nevada, this is the place to come. In the emigrant wilderness the use of bear resistant food storage containers is highly recommended.
Living in a small rural village in the foothills of the sacred song mountain book. This book describes 62 trail and crosscountry routes in emigrant plus. The definitive guide to fishing central california, chris shaffer. Emigrant lake is a magnificent destination for an extended emigrant wilderness adventure. Online shopping from a great selection at books store. Backpack californias emigrant wilderness with the sierra club. I started the emigrant trail at gianelli cabin trailhead near pinecrest in. The emigrant wilderness area is separated from the fabled yosemite only in federal land management administrative terms and boundary lines. The longest trail in emigrant wilderness is upper relief trail a wellknown trail measuring 39. Recommended books for fishing the emigrant wilderness. Return to tyt via horse meadow or bigelow and black bear lake to snow lake. This backpack trip will travel through emigrant wilderness and.
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