8 replies to this topic

[ScottO]

Hi Folks,

Here's another hike from 2010. This time Sandy, Kristin, and I went to Wild Basin. While Sandy hiked out to Hutcheson Lakes, Kristin and I headed for Snowbank Lake. It was another great day, though the changing clouds kept us alert for signs of bad weather. Kristin had attempted a solo hike to Lion Lakes some time ago but turned back not too far from Lion No. 1. This time we hoped she'd make it, not only to Lion Nos. 1 & 2, but to Snowbank as well.

Sandy started her hike from the Finch Lake TH. Our trek began at the Wild Basin TH. From there, we headed for Thunder Lake. About 1.5 miles before Thunder, we took the spur trail to Lion Lakes. I think we took our first break at that junction. The spur trail starts with a short steep climb but then eases off for the rest of the way. The trail is narrow and less well maintained than the route to Thunder. The woods feel closer, and it feels more isolated. There is one spot that opens up at an outcropping with a great view. Mount Copeland on the left, Mahana Peak center, and Tanima Peak on the right. Thunder Lake is at the middle of the base of Tanima Peak.



About 30 minutes later we arrived at Lion No. 1 under mostly cloudy skies. Kristin took a moment to celebrate.



Mt. Alice dominates the westward view across the lake and usually provides a decent reflection opportunity.



Mt. Alice for real.



After a short break and some photos, we were off to Lion Lake No. 2. The trail continues around the east side of the first Lion and starts to fade a bit past the lake. The three lakes lie along the base of the North Ridge.



Looking north you see Triple Falls which is formed by the outlet stream of Lion No. 2 and becomes the inlet stream to Lion No. 1 (foreground). Our route took us to the base of Triple Falls where we turned left, below the snowfield, and then climbed up by the next snowfield.



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ScottO

[ScottO]

A look back at Lion No. 1.




In August, this hike always has plenty of wildflowers.





Triple Falls getting closer.





After a sunny patch, we were back under clouds at Lion No. 2.



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ScottO

[ScottO]

Another flower. This is one of the better hikes for flower lovers.



The view from above Lion No. 2 looking south with the North Ridge along the left.



Snowbank Lake lies close to the southwest face of Chiefs Head Peak. Fortunately, it was fairly calm while we were there. It was warm enough that we could relax a while and dip our feet in the lake. It's a very cold lake. When I was tying my boots, I broke a lace. We had a delay while I struggled to get the frayed end of the shortened lace through the boot's eyelets. I had just enough length to lace about 2/3's, and I was worried this would be a problem hiking out with a loose boot. But it turned out OK.



More flowers.



Well, it was time to head back. At some point, on the hike I think, Kristin asked about the difficulty of crossing over to Thunder Lake. I had done that back in 2008 and enjoyed it. So we hiked back down towards Lion No. 2 and then turned west to look things over while I described the general route. It sounded good to Kristin and the weather seemed amiable so off we went. This is an unnamed pond just west of the Lion Lakes. We checked the route from the ridge. That's Tanima Peak beyond the ridge; Thunder Lake lies at it's base.



This is a stitch of a couple photos. Tanima Peak is on the left, Pilot Mountain and Mt. Alice are on the right. There's a snowfield towards the left that's visible through the pine brush. That snowfield is by the north end of Thunder Lake – the end opposite the patrol cabin. We descended a steep, grassy gully to a talus field below Pilot Mountain that's roughly a hair left of center in the photo.



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ScottO

[ScottO]

The clouds were constantly changing. They'd thicken up, and then patches of blue would appear. It never seemed threatening and made for nice hiking conditions.



A couple of views from midway through our cross country section. Straight ahead from here.



A look to the southwest.



Beyond Thunder Lake, there is a thick forest with a network drainage streams running through it. We descended a few hundred feet down the gully and talus to the edge of that forest.



We made our way through the woods to the trail from Boulder Grand Pass and headed down to Thunder. We saw this solo gal along the way.



We took a late lunch break at Thunder Lake and enjoyed this great view. Boulder Grand Pass is the low point.



We returned along the standard trail. We used the shortcut campground trail both ways but decided it would have been better to skip it on the return. It's fairly rugged and tough on the knees after a long day.

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ScottO

[jflo]

Super awesome report Scott!! You guys can sure cover some ground!

[iceberg]

I can't express how much I enjoyed this hike. It was my absolute favorite one of 2010. Lion Lakes is the most beautiful area I have seen in the park thus far. The off trail trek to Thunder was so much fun & we came across some beautiful ponds & streams. I love Wild Basin more than any part of the park & can't wait to explore more of it. Get ready Scott, we're doing a massive loop hike over Mahana in August & also finally conquering Cony Pass. Make sure you have new shoelaces!

[Rhonda]

The hike looks awesome, the flowers are gorgeous, especially that first picture of the flowers, and the sky and clouds and mountains and lakes were just breathtaking. Loved Mt Alice and the reflection. I don't know if you are better at hiking or photography, but you take some mighty gorgeous pictures.

[jflo]

I really love this area too. I agree with you Kristin. The whole trek to Lion Lakes and Snowbank is so beautiful. So lush and green....

[Becky J.]

What a great hike. Wonderful variety of pictures.
Becky J.