Needed a short easy hike for my Sunday afternoon. I chose to head up and check out the west summit of Bald Mtn off the Mtn Loop. Arrived at the Ashland Lakes trailhead and was hiking by about 3pm. There were only about a dozen vehicles at the trailhead, not bad considering the 100s of cars at Lk22. Made quick work of the trail to Beaver Plant Lake. Just past the lake I took the signed trail for Bald Mtn. Only saw one set of recent prints. This trail is a primitive trail that looks to see very few boots. It was about 80-90pecent snow free and with a map and a little looking pretty easy to follow to below the summit. It’s a nice trail through dense old growth with the occasional view toward the north of Three Fingers and other Mtn Loop peaks. I enjoyed my solitude, the forest, and the birds chirping. Trail bushes haven’t quite leafed out, and the few bugs were not biting, really good time to do this trail. Just below the summit, I left the trail and went easily up to the treed top. Peek-a-boo views exist to the north. Nice day to be out!
This trhd requires discover pass.
Good choice. I tried for the main summit via this route once and had to give up. I should have been content with the closer and more attainable summit. The trail was overgrown years ago when I tried. The main summit is much more reachable via the Walt Bailey trail to Cutthroat Lakes
Nice shots of Three Fingers! It amazes me how everyone flocks to Pilchuck & Lake 22 when there are so many other awesome places to explore on the Mtn Loop.
Jim and I were up there a couple years ago, but I don't know how close we got to your destination (probably not close; a thunderstorm was up there with us); we only went about a mile and a half, I think. Gorgeous trail; I advocated for its resurrection as the next DNR project for Morningstar unit (it was not chosen).
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"..living on the east side of the Sierra world be ideal - except for harsher winters and the chance of apocalyptic fires burning the whole area."
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