TR: Lyell Fork (9-12 through 9-16)

[bwd]

On 9-12 a friend and I set out for Yosemite with a Rafferty Creek permit. We got burritos from a place in Oakdale (Taqueria La Agave) that turned out to be quite delicious and hit the trail early afternoon. Vogelsang looked great.

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The next day we headed towards the Lyell Fork of the Merced based in part on what we'd read from the past HST meetup there. I was struggling with a cold but we made it up in time for some afternoon rain.

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The storm only dropped a few droplets but then produced some fantastic alpenglow.

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The next morning we hiked up to a hike point above Lake 10951 (I think! I have our high point as 37.71751, -119.27723).

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This Yosemite place is pretty nice! We headed down from there and I found the lake at the meetup location all the more impressive from the foresty nook at the north end.

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We started to head back. After a night at Lake Merced HSC (spent around a fire with an HST-acquainted gentleman from Susanville, Mike, who taught us about wildfires after a career in the USFS; Mike, if you're reading it was a true pleasure to meet you!) we hiked back to Vogelsang. On the way back, we really enjoyed the views of the Clark Range.

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A question: can one get up there from the Merced side? There seemed to be a few drainages that might allow access past the shield wall but it was hard to know. From there, we had a truly epic afternoon in the Fletcher Creek canyon.

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We got back to Vogelsang just before a small storm but then had a wonderful afternoon exploring the higher lakes. Upper Fletcher is a gem.

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[bwd]

From Upper Fletcher we went to Hanging Basket. See the rim up there?

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We scrambled up and got some spectacular views of the lake and then the high country to the north (I'm assuming Mt Conness and environs thereof?).

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After waking up with a sleeping bag stiff with frozen condensation, we returned home the next morning after a stop at the brewery above the Priest Grade. It was a trip I'll long remember with mostly ok weather, perfect views, and better company.

[Wandering Daisy]

What do you mean "can you get up there from Merced side"? Where is "there"?

I have dropped down the creek that drains the Lyell Fork all the way to the trail from Merced Lake. Did it in the late fall- basically walked down slabs that would be covered by waterfalls earlier. Steep slabs and some bushwhacking. Not sure if that is what you are asking?

[bwd]

Sorry for the confusion. I meant from the Merced up towards Quartzite/Clark/Grey Peaks. From our vantage point on the north side of the Merced it wasn't clear if you could hike up any of those drainages. Looking at some maps now I am guessing you can go up Red Peak Fork but I don't think we had a view quite that far.

[Wandering Daisy]

https://www.highsierratopix.com/communi ... 37#p168937

Day 3 may answer your question.

[windknot]

Great photos, thanks for the report!

[giantbrookie]

The Lyell Fork is special and it must be special for me to say that given that it doesn't have any fish! That is a magical place.

[texan]

The Lyell Fork is special and it must be special for me to say that given that it doesn't have any fish! That is a magical place.

Hi GB,

Is this true that there are no fish in the Lyell Fork? Just curious. Thanks.

Texan

[giantbrookie]

The Lyell Fork is special and it must be special for me to say that given that it doesn't have any fish! That is a magical place.

Hi GB,

Is this true that there are no fish in the Lyell Fork? Just curious. Thanks.

Texan

Sad but true. I think Beck mentions this in his book (ie that Lyell Fork is fishless) and I took a good look in those lakes (included taking a bunch of blank casts) and connecting streams back in 1994 and saw no reason to dispute Beck's assessment. It is a gorgeous trailless place to wander in, though.

[texan]

The Lyell Fork is special and it must be special for me to say that given that it doesn't have any fish! That is a magical place.

Hi GB,

Is this true that there are no fish in the Lyell Fork? Just curious. Thanks.

Texan

Sad but true. I think Beck mentions this in his book (ie that Lyell Fork is fishless) and I took a good look in those lakes (included taking a bunch of blank casts) and connecting streams back in 1994 and saw no reason to dispute Beck's assessment. It is a gorgeous trailless place to wander in, though.

Thanks GB for letting me know. Been by that area a long time ago when I did the Muir Trail as a teen and it was beautiful but my goal now is to fish as much as possible. No fish, no visit.

Texan(Mike)