Dardanelles Lake
Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Dress warmly and in layers - it will be cold, but you should warm up
 

DIFFICULTY:   Moderate.  High elevation.

ELEVATION GAIN:  800 feet. Net, counting all ups and downs is 1600 ft.  Highest elevation is about 8000 ft.

HIKE DISTANCE:  7.6 miles

GENERAL LOCATION:  US 89 at Big Meadows/Tahoe Rim Trail access - 5 miles south of US 50 toward Hope Valley

DESCRIPTION:  This is a delightful hike, through many mixed conifers and aspens (think Fall color).  At the time of our hike, the aspens should be turning.  The terrain is varied, through forests and meadows and across creeks.  This area is the head waters of the Truckee River, and there are several stream crossings.  The trail starts with a crossing of US 89, then heads uphill for about 1/2 mile through some rocks (including stairs) for a 300 foot gain to Big Meadow.  The trail is then flat for awhile, before starting uphill to a saddle.  The total elevation gain to the saddle is about 500 feet.  Down from the saddle, the trail is again fairly flat until a slight rocky climb to Dardanelles Lake.  The setting of the lake, in a rock bowl, is gorgeous.  A massive granite cliff rises from the south shore and towers over the lake. At this time of year the water has warmed, and swimming is possible.  Those who have done the Showers Lake hike might remember that at the Lake Tahoe overlook, we also look down on Dardanelles Lake.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: Two and a quarter hours each way (plus another 15 min or so for construction delays). One way distance is about 103 miles. This is a $12 driver donation.  If you plan to be a passenger, please bring correct change.  We plan to stop for dinner at Los Hermanos in Pollock Pines on the way home.  If you choose not to join us for dinner, then make sure that you are in a whole car on non-diners.

HIKE LEADER/SWEEP:  Dave Wood/Monique Wood

SPECIAL NOTES:

     FACILITIES AVAILABLE:  Pit toilets (phew!) at the trail head.  We will plan to stop at McDonalds in Placerville on the way (Broadway exit).

     PREPARATIONS FOR HIKE:  Refer to #8 and #9 in the “Hike information and Guidelines” on our web site. Bring lunch, water, and sunscreen.  Wear layered clothing.  Hiking poles are important for creek crossings and for negotiating some rock steps.

     RISKS:  Creek crossings

QUESTIONS: Dave/Monique Wood 408-7562

MEETING TIME: 7:15 in the Orchard Creek Parking lot - leaving time is 7:30.

Thunderstorm threat or rain cancels hike

See some photos from the prehike.