Summit Lake
Tuesday, July 21, 2009

 DIFFICULTY:   Moderate.  A short hike, but high elevation, and a little scrambling over rocks gives this some challenge.

ELEVATION GAIN:  450 ft. Elevation at top is about 7400 ft.

 
HIKE DISTANCE:  5 miles

 
GENERAL LOCATION:  I-80 at Pacific Crest Trail

 
DESCRIPTION:  The hike begins in a shady area near the Boreal Ridge exit.  It follows the Pacific Crest Trail for some distance, passing under I-80 through 2 tunnels.  After a moderate climb, the trail crosses a rocky ridge.  The views of the mountains near Donner Lake are great!  A meadow with Corn Lillies is next, followed by another climb with some scrambling over rocky areas.  Tha final stretch is again shady, with the lake affording many “soft” rocks for seating at lunch.  There is a trail around the lake for those who might want to try their hand at navigating a marshy area near the north end.  The return hike will offer a surprising side trip near the end.

 
TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: One and three quarter hours each way. One way distance is about 75 miles. This is a $9 driver donation. Detailed driving directions will be handed out to all drivers.  We should be back about 3:30.

 
HIKE LEADER/SWEEP:  Dick Mayeur/Sue Geisler

 
SPECIAL NOTES:

        FACILITIES AVAILABLE:  Pit toilet at trail head is poorly  maintained, so we will stop at Nyack.

        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.  Hiking poles are recommended for some areas.

         RISKS:  High elevation. (7000 ft. +)

QUESTIONS: Dick Mayeur 408-4022

MEETING TIME: 8:00 in the Orchard Creek Parking lot - leaving time is 8:15

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 road NOW is under constructin, so the only visible sign is a Brown sign for the Pacific Crest Trail.  This is the next exit after the Soda Springs exit.  Turn Right at the botttom of the exit ramp and drive to the Stop Sign about 50 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.