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Loch Leven Lakes
– Made Easier
Thursday, October 13th, 2011
GREAT NEWS!!!!: The Loch Leven Lakes
is a trio of picturesque alpine lakes nestled into a granite basin. The
scenic beauty of these lakes makes this a favorite destination of Sacramento area hikers.
High Loch Leven Lake
is especially unique, with heather-rimmed shores bordered by granite cliffs and
stands of conifers. Granite slabs to the water’s edge makes it
ideal for cooling off tired feet (and swimming and sunbathing, if so inclined).
The challenge for hikers is getting there. The
traditional trail is a tedious climb of over 1700 feet for 4 miles (one
way). You hear the I-80 traffic and have to negotiate the Union Pacific
Railroad tracks. Only those hikers up for a strenuous hike would make
this challenging trek to reap the reward of the true beauty of these
lakes.
Now we have a much easier option to get there. This
optional route is only 2.7 miles to the farthest lake and the elevation gain is
only 300 feet – not the strength-sapping 1700 feet we were used to! And
we also encounter Salmon
Lake in route, complete
with schools of catfish swimming at the surface. See the beauty of all
these lakes by viewing the prehike pictures!
So you can now enjoy this hiker’s treasure with much less
effort! Don’t miss out. Take
advantage of this GREAT NEWS!
HIKE DISTANCE: 5.7 miles out and
back. This includes a 0.3 miles to and from Salmon Lake.
ELEVATION
GAIN:
Approximately 600 feet - with a few interim ups and downs. We start at
6600 feet and reach the last lake at 6900 feet. And we also have
some ups and downs on the return -- only this time the downs are ups and
the ups are downs.
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
While this optional route is much easier, it still has some challenges.
Parts of the trail are extremely rocky. There are 2 areas where you
must scramble up and down some rocks. Use of your hands is
helpful. This just takes care and some effort, but it is not too
difficult. And a 600 foot elevation gain is still 600 feet.
You climb 200 feet in the first quarter mile and get the worst out of the way
quick. But you may question your desire to go on. It
will get easier and be worth the effort! We are classifying this hike
“Moderate”, not “Simple”.
The shortened hike
doesn’t come without some penalty. The drive is more challenging,
consisting of 6 winding miles of dirt / gravel roads to reach the
trailhead. They are extremely dusty. We will compensate drivers a
little extra for an exterior car wash. So don’t wash you car before
the 13th if you plan on driving.
GENERAL
LOCATION: Off Interstate 80 beyond Blue Canyon.
We exit at Yuba Gap, the first exit after Nyack. The trailhead is
located 7.5 miles from the exit, with 6 miles of dirt / gravel, but easily
passable, roads.
DESCRIPTION: After an initial climb of
200 feet (feels like 300 feet), we encounter a few ups and downs as we pass a
pond and head to Salmon
Lake, a mile from the
trailhead. This will be our first snack break while we take pictures
and watch the catfish. 7 / 10th of a mile later we reach
the lower of the 3 Loch Leven
Lakes. Each
lake gets prettier.
The Middle Lake
has a beautiful shoreline with evidence of fall colors along the
shore We will traverse a significant portion of this shoreline and
head “up” to High
Loch Leven Lake,
the prettiest of the 3 and our lunch break. You will have plenty of
granite slabs and rocks to select for your lunch. If you recline on
these slabs you could get real comfortable enjoying the scenery and run the
risk of not wanting to return.
Then it is a mere 2.7
miles back to our cars. While mainly downhill, I must worn you
there are still some ups and downs.
LUNCH: Bring your lunch and a
pre-lunch snack. We will break for a snack at Salmon Lake.
The lunch break is planned for mid hike when we reach High Loch Leven
Lake.
TRAVEL
TIME /
DISTANCE / PARKING: Travel time is
approximately 1 ½ hours (the dirt road will slow us down) and 62 miles from Lincoln. Suggested
contribution for riders is $12, to allow a little extra for a car wash.
Detailed driving directions will be handed out to all drivers.
Parking is at the trailhead on the gravel road. THERE IS NO FEE FOR
PARKING.
DINNER PLANS: None – we should be back
to Lincoln around
4:00 PM.
HIKE
LEADER /
SWEEP: Dennis Ratay / Margaret
Ratay
SPECIAL NOTES:
FACILITIES AVAILABLE: Nothing is available at the
trailhead. We will stop at Nyack, just 10 miles from the trailhead.
PREPARATIONS FOR HIKE: Hiking boots mandatory and poles highly
recommended with the extremely rocky trails in some portions. Sun
screen is also recommended, as much of the trail is not shaded.
RISKS: Rocky trail is some sections. There are a few fallen
logs we need to traverse. The trail could be muddy in sections due to recent snow.
QUESTIONS: Call Dennis Ratay at 543-9935.
MEETING
TIME: 7:30 am at Orchard Creek
parking lot -- We will leave at 7:45 am.
RAIN
CANCELS HIKE
Download driving directions
Pictures from
the prehike
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