Three Lakes/PCT
Tuesday, September 1, 2009

DIFFICULTY:   Easy.  High elevation, and a little scrambling over rocks gives this some challenge.

ELEVATION GAIN:  500 ft. Elevation at top is about 7500 ft.

 
HIKE DISTANCE:  8 miles

 
GENERAL LOCATION:  I-80 at Pacific Crest Trail

 
DESCRIPTION:  The hike begins in a shady area near the Castle Peak/Boreal Ridge exit.  It follows the Pacific Crest Trail for some distance, adjacent to a granite ridge.  The Azalea Lake/Flora Lake trail branches to the right, continuing to follow the granite ridge.  Here, following the trail is a challenge because it continues across several granite monoliths, with little evidence of trail.  The brush has also grown partially over the trail in this area, so longs are highly recommended.  The trail passes by the first two lakes, then turns south towards Lake Angela.  More monolith crossings lead up to a view of the lake and the beautiful mountains behind it – many that the Hiking Group have already climbed.  Much of this part has few trees to block your view or provide shade.  We will continue past the lake to meet up with the PCT again, affording a beautiful view far above a pullout off US 40 that provides access to the train tunnels.  We will follow the PCT back to our starting point, but along the way, the views of Donner Lake are great!  We will stop for lunch at a small pond that has several certified bug free logs and a few rocks to set on.

 
TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: One and three quarter hours each way. One way distance is about 75 miles. This is a $12 driver donation. Detailed driving directions will be handed out to all drivers.  We should be back before 4:00.

 
HIKE LEADER/SWEEP:  Dick Mayeur/Sue Geisler

 
SPECIAL NOTES:

        FACILITIES AVAILABLE:  The pit toilet at the trail head has improved , but will stop at Nyack on the way.  The Westbound Nyack exit is currently closed, so we may have to use the facilities at the Boreal parking lot before our return trip,

        PREPARATIONS FOR HIKE:  Refer to #8 and #9 in the “Hike information and Guidelines” on our web site. Bring lunch, water, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen.  Long pants are suggested due to the need to push through the underbrush in several areas around Lakes Azalea and Flora.  Hiking poles are suggested for some areas.

         RISKS:  High elevation. (7000 ft. +)

QUESTIONS: Dick Mayeur 408-4022

MEETING TIME: 7:45 in the Orchard Creek Parking lot - leaving time is 8:00.

Some views from the prehike.  

Driving Directions: 

Please remember that Interstate 80 is under construction beyond Colfax.  Traffic delays are common.

Take I-80 East to the Castle Peak/Boreal Ridge exit.  The exit NOW is under construction, but the bright orange Detour signs take you to the Donner Lake exit, with a U-turn back to the Westbound Castle Peak exit.  Turn Left at the bottom of the exit ramp and drive to the Stop Sign about 100 ft later.  Turn Left  and drive to the end of this road which has signs for the Tahoe National Forest Trailhead, Donner Summit, Pacific Crest Trail Parking area.