Winnemucca Lake

On Saturday, 27 July, we joined our friend Joe and a different group he hikes with for a hike to Winnemucca Lake, in California just off Kit Carson Pass. We met at a shopping center near the south end of Reno, and carpooled to the trailhead. There is a new segment of freeway, opened just this past spring, that makes the trip to and through Carson City nearly non-stop. I don’t mean to bore people; it’s just that this was a pretty big event around here.

Anyway, for those unfamiliar with this part of the Sierra Nevada, Carson Pass is on CA SH 88 about 6 miles west of its intersection with SH 89 going north to Tahoe (Luther Pass), or about 16 miles west of the CA-NV state line south of Minden, NV. Kirkwood ski resort is only about 4 miles west of the pass. The new freeway makes the trip quicker than ever, and soon we were pulling into the parking area at the pass’s summit.

The trail starts south, sloping slightly upward into the forest. At one point, there is a tree whose trunk is twisted about 4' above the ground, which with the help of a rock placed there by the trail-builders makes it a wonderful seat for a photo opportunity. Too bad I don’t have any photos there I’m willing to post. But here is a nice photo of the trail in the trees.

You may recognize Joe's wide-brim hat.

After about ¾ mile (I guess), the trail emerges onto a grassy, rolling hillside.

Soon there is a minor trail that goes left, over a rise, past a small body of water called Frog Lake, leading to a rocky crag that overlooks the infamous Red Lake–infamous because the waters are currently a vibrant emerald green due to the algae. It may not show up well in the photo; you’ll just have to come see it in person.

Approaching Frog Lake

Panoramic view of Red Lake

Back down to the main trail, and on to the south and west we went. Soon we were on the side of a ridge looking west toward the beautiful and popular Caples Lake.

Caples Lake

A bit further on

It wasn’t much farther now! We had passed the rounded peak known as the Elephant’s Back, and the wildflowers were maybe not at their peak, but certainly putting up a good display.

Lilies of the Field

Elephant’s Back and some flowers

Past the ridge and over a small hill, and we were at our destination: Winnemucca Lake!

Uh-huh.

Yeah, it was kind of anti-climactic, especially since the sky had clouded over a little, dulling the first impression. However, while we were there I took a panoramic photo of the entire lake, and DW was moving around as I got to the end. I thought it made for an interesting effect:

See, I told you there were more pictures than last post! Three more, nearly a 50% increase.

First Hike of the 2013 Season

Well, since I sort of promised (no one in particular, except maybe myself) that I would share photos when we went for a hike, I’m posting what I have.

Earlier this week, DW and I met up with a friend from the Reno Ski & Recreation Club to go with him on an exploratory hike in Lakes Basin Recreation Area, in the Plumas National Forest in northern California. He will be leading a hike in June, and wanted to see how much snow was left, and where. We met at his house, near the University, and he drove. Before we left, he stopped to refuel his vehicle.

Good thing his car uses Regular.

He told us the weather report called for increasing cloudiness with some possible rain around 2pm. We were leaving at 8:30 am, and expected to be there by 10:00, so we figured to be done by then, but we took some light rain gear just in case.

As we got closer to Lakes Basin, though, the clouds got heavier and heavier, and around Portola it started to drizzle. By the time we reached the road off the Gold Lake Highway to the trailhead, it was a nice steady rain.

Undaunted, we put our boots and hats on, grabbed our day packs, and set off down (or should I say up) the trail. This was the trail between the Bear Lakes and Gold Lake, a former mining road. Our destination for the best vantage was near Round Lake, which has a historical marker explaining some mining ruins. It starts out pretty easy, and there’s only one section that is anywhere near steep, which switches back but once. After that section, as we rounded the face of the mountain that holds Round Lake in on the south side, I snapped this photo of, I believe, Little Bear Lake.

 On around the mountain, and up to the mining mill ruins we went. Since the main focus of the exploration was how much snow was left, we were all looking up toward the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), rather than down at the ruins and the lake.

Not enough snow to build a fort.

After we got back to the trailhead, our friend happened to mention the weather forecast again, and this time he said it was for Reno. No wonder it turned out so differently!

So, I guess if you want to see what’s left of the mill and shaft, and read all about the gold mining around Round Lake, you’ll just have to come visit Plumas County! Even if that isn’t your thing, the Lakes Basin is filled with many lakes, large and small, and criss-crossed with hiking trails, including access to the PCT. It’s certainly worth a visit. When you do, be sure to stop in and see me.

Post Script: On the way back to Hwy 70, Hwy 89 passes just west of the little settlement of Blairsden, CA. A short side trip will take you to the Village Baker, where they have the flakiest pastries and best espresso–not to mention the cutest kids–in Plumas County. Don’t miss this gem!