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First Overnight Backpacking Trip (Desolation Wilderness)

Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 5:25 pm
by quasi888
Hi HSTers,

My 11 y/o son and I will be doing our first overnight backpacking trip near the end of this month, in Desolation Wilderness.

My wife will be dropping us off at the Glen Alpine trailhead (near Fallen Leaf Lake). I chose Susie Lake as our destination when I reserved the permit, due to close proximity, as well as fishing opportunity.

A few questions, as the trip is drawing closer:

- I was planning on using my 4-person REI Half Dome 4 tent -- fotoprint is about 94x86. I know it's on the larger size for a backpacking tent. Are there enough fairly flat areas around Lake Susie that could accommodate a tent of this size?

- Should I be concerned about mosquities at this time of year?

- Gilmore Lake is also an option for fishing. Is that area better for camping spots?

Thanks in advance!

Re: First Overnight Backpacking Trip (Desolation Wilderness)

Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 6:23 pm
by maverick
Hi Quasi888,

Welcome to HST!
Yes, there are plenty of campsites to accomodate you at Susie.
Mosquitoes should be better by then, check our 2014 Mosquito Reports for
updates as you get closure to your departure dates.
viewtopic.php?f=34&t=10801" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: First Overnight Backpacking Trip (Desolation Wilderness)

Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2014 4:07 pm
by quasi888
Thanks, Maverick! The camping space issue was my greatest concern. I'll post a report upon a (hopefully) happy, successful trip completion!

Re: First Overnight Backpacking Trip (Desolation Wilderness)

Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2014 5:27 pm
by TahoeJeff
I should have chimed in sooner. As Mav said, your tent will "fit" at Susie. However, there are better sites at Gilmore, and if fishing is the deciding factor, there are far better fish in Gilmore. Look up the picture of GiantBrookie's mackinaw out of there

Re: First Overnight Backpacking Trip (Desolation Wilderness)

Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2014 12:59 pm
by Vaca Russ
TahoeJeff wrote:... there are far better fish in Gilmore. Look up the picture of GiantBrookie's mackinaw out of there
John.jpg
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :nod: :nod: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :eek: :eek: :thumbsup:

-Russ

Re: First Overnight Backpacking Trip (Desolation Wilderness)

Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2014 1:29 pm
by TahoeJeff
Oh yeah! Salvelinus namaycush magna!

Re: First Overnight Backpacking Trip (Desolation Wilderness)

Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2014 2:35 pm
by quasi888
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

OK, DEFINITELY making a stop at Gilmore.

Any tips on techniques? We usually like tossing out Kastmasters if the conditions are not too weedy.

Re: First Overnight Backpacking Trip (Desolation Wilderness)

Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2014 7:05 pm
by ehenderson814
Just got back from Gilmore with no luck :angry: Fished the entire shoreline and had a couple 12" (what looked to be Mackinaw) get off. That being said, I didn't cast till around 10:00 a.m. Good luck