Sierra NF Trail Report 7/14

Questions and reports related to Sierra Nevada current and forecast conditions, as well as general precautions and safety information. Trail conditions, fire/smoke reports, mosquito reports, weather and snow conditions, stream crossing information, and more.
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maverick
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Sierra NF Trail Report 7/14

Post by maverick »

Sierra NF:
U.S. Forest Service
Wilderness Trail and Trailhead Report:

Wilderness Area(s): Ansel Adams Wilderness
Trailhead Entry: Fernandez Trailhead....Number: A61
Trailhead Exit: Fernandez Trailhead....Number: A61
Trail Name: Fernandez Trail....Number: 24E03
Trail Name: California Riding and Hiking Trail....Number: 24E03
Trail Name: Lillian Lake Trail....Number: 24E04
Destinations Visited: Rutherford Lake, Lillian Lake, Staniford Lake, Lady Lake, Vanderburg Lake Fernandez Pass

Please Recreate Responsibly, LEAVE NO TRACE www.lnt.org :
The wilderness rangers found unsanitary and exposed human waste disposal around Lillian Lake. Please be sure to practice Leave No Trace Principals regarding human waste disposal; 100 feet from water, dig a cat hole at least 6-8 inches deep and pack out toilet paper.

Please Be Bear/Wildlife Aware:
There are few trees available for proper counterbalancing, bear can is highly recommended. If counterbalancing, please make sure to hang food at least 15 feet from ground and 10 feet from the trunk of the tree.

Trail Conditions: (trees down, trees cleared, stream crossings, available water, mosquitos, fishing, wildlife/bear encounters):

The Ansel Adams Wilderness was severely impacted by the Creek Fire and sections of the Fernandez Trail and Lillian Lake Loop are burned and unrecognizable. The burned areas are significantly hotter due to the direct sunlight and limited shade. The entry and exiting points of the Lillian Lake Loop are severely burned. The entire Lillian Lake Loop Trail is clear of fallen trees and accessible to hikers and pack stock. The entire Fernandez Trail is clear from the parking lot to the pass. The trail from Rutherford Lake to Fernandez Pass as well as the trail to Lady Lake are also clear of fallen trees. In some areas, large diameter stump holes have created some hazards along the edges of the trail.

As of 7/13 Madera Creek is flowing, but will decrease as the summer progresses. There are various bodies of water and lakes along the trail that make water accessibility relatively easy. Water flow in creeks and streams is low, making stream crossings safe. There are mosquitos along all the trail, including locations not close to water. Fishermen have reported mixed results in all of the lakes on the Lillian Lake Loop.
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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maverick
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Update 7/28

Post by maverick »

Sierra NF:
Wilderness Trail and Trailhead Report
Wilderness Area(s): Ansel Adams
Trailhead Entry: Isberg Number: 24E01
Trailhead Exit: Isberg Number: 24E01
Trail Name:_Cora Creek Trail Number: 25E04
Trail Name:_Joe Crane Lake Trail Number: 24E14
Trail Name: Stevenson Trail Number: 25E01
Trail Name: McClure Lake Trail Number: 24E01A

Destinations Visited: Cora Lakes, Knoblock Meadow, Joe Crane Lake, McClure Lake, Sadler Lake, Isberg Pass, Isberg Lakes
visitors should be aware of the following impacts: Habituated bear in Clover Meadow/Granite Creek area, camp sites and fires too close to water and trails, trash in camp fires, camp fires built too large, construction of semi- permanent structures (rock tables, benches, rock lined tent pads).

Trail Conditions: (trees down, trees cleared, stream crossings, available water, mosquitos, fishing, wildlife/bear encounters)
Isberg Trail is clear of trees and other debris from the trailhead to the pass. The Joe Crane Lake Trail is also cleared of trees and debris.

Cora Creek Trail and Stevenson Trail have been cleared for about the first half mile each; portions of these trails are muddy, washed out, or have some damage from burned out stump holes, so be sure to stay on the main trail.

All stream crossings along the trails listed are extremely low and easy to pass. Be sure to plan for low water levels which are quickly decreasing as the season progresses.
Mosquitoes are scarce and dying off.

Beautiful rainbow trout are biting in Sadler Lake, most seem to be about 6”. There is a habituated bear repeatedly breaking into the dumpster at Clover Meadow. Do not leave any trash outside of or on top of the dumpster; pack it out if it does not fit or the dumpster is unusable.
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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