If you plan to backpack (it's a nice easy backpack, great for beginners), you'll need a wilderness permit. Wallowa River-Lakes Basin Loop Backpacking Guide – Eagle Cap Wilderness, OR. High water at stream crossings can be a problem in May and early June. Backpacking to Eight Lakes Basin - Aug 18-19, 2018. This stretch of the Eagle Cap Wilderness aptly lives up to its nickname, with beautiful valleys, vistas and alpine lakes reflecting surrounding granite peaks. We got the worst campsite out of the whole trek. Standing at the top you'll be looking down on Shamrock Lake. To start the hike head out of the parking lot and cross the road and cross the dam to your left. At the trail T, go right. The glorious scenery and relative ease of the trail make this a very popular hike. This hike’s pièce de résistance, the Hamilton Lakes basin at mile 14.3 is truly a can’t-go-wrong sort of heaven. Pass one last lake to your right and you'll start to descend thru a corridor of large talus and boulders, the path is a little more difficult to follow, however you see your target in front of you, Helen Lake. The water was crystal blue (with polarizing lenses you can see to the bottom). At the intersections of a lot of trails back at the north end of Saddlebag Lake, there is a ranger house and a nice beach. Plan your hike in the fall for best chances for solitude, close encounters with wildlife, and have one of many alpine lakes to yourself. The last stop on the north side of the hike was Lake Helen. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. I guess we should also talk about water here. Dogs are also able to use this trail. We chose to do the hike thru the 20 lakes basin counter clock wise because we planned to camp and the best camping is on the left side of the basin which we'd reach at the end of our day. High Divide Seven Lakes Basin Permit. Finally, you'll level out again and this is Ice Lakes Basin, proper. No need to bring water to visit water. Really it was more fun than anything playing in the snow. Rock Creek Road closed at the Pack Station gate. Starting at Saddlebag Lake this trail is a non-quota trail so you don’t need a permit to backpack at this trailhead up till greenstone lake. You hike high above on the west side of Odell Lake and level out to see Hummingbird Lake. Reply to: 20 lakes basin backpacking. HIGHLIGHTS: Some … Keep your eyes open, the trail junction is hidden to your left, if you pass the ranger hut turn around, you missed the junction leading you to the basin (it's more visible from that direction anyway). Just east of Yosemite National Park, Saddlebag Lake is popular for day hikes, fishing and backpacking. You can do this loop clockwise, counterclockwise, or in a figure eight with very well-marked trails along most of the route. Permits will be available in person beginning the day before the trip. You do not need a permit if you are day hiking. Duration: 6 Days. August 23-25, 2008. Green River Lakes to Titcomb Basin to Elkhart Trailhead. Loss: 12,725 ft. Take in the awe inspiring vista of Mt. Overnight permits are available to book starting Nov. 10, This camping spot was great perched high above a few lakes providing some of the most amazing sunset views I’ve been lucky enough to see. Then we headed toward North Peak. Off Trail %: 30%. 120 east, just past the east gate of Yosemite (Tioga Pass), make a left on Saddlebag Lake Road. We set up camp and relaxed. It’s called watermelon snow, pink snow, or blood snow. Your email address will not be published. As you emerge the alpine meadow returns and the bare granite is replaced with lush green grass and shrubbery. You'll now start to ascend and walk into Lundy pass. 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