[noynek]

First off, thank you for all of the great information you've posted on this amazing section of the mountains. Thanks to the info I've found here I've done two great loops from the Big Heart to the Necklace valley via Iron Cap lake and pass. This year I wanted to do something a little different and come in from Hardscrabble Lakes, hike to Gold Lake, then raft across Chetwoot, eventually passing Tank Lakes and exploring the Chain/La Bohn lakes/Hinman area, finally out via Williams Lake. For years I watched for Curtis Designs rafts for sale, but finally found the Kokopelli rafts and have had a blast in them this year. I know the Foss lakes are famous for great rafting, but I suspect our route doesn't really maximize the rafting potential. What I'm wondering about is if there are any options we should consider since we will have rafts. The route I've taken from Iron Cap Lake to the Pass involves climbing a few hundred feet from the lake, then traversing to the cairn-marked short narrow gulley. I don't love descending that little gulley, but it's worked out. With the rafts, I thought maybe there's a low route worth doing, but I've heard stories of terrible brush so that hasn't sounded great. Anyway, I figured I'd check for any recommendations. Thanks!

[Tom]

What Kokopelli rafts did you get? They seem a bit heavy. I was thinking of the same loop this year. Other than rafting Chetwoot I don't think rafts would save you much on the itinerary. If you wanted to enjoy the lower lakes I would do it as a separate loop from the Foss trailhead.

[noynek]

I got their Hornet Lite backpacking raft. With everything included it's about 5.5 lbs. It's definitely a tradeoff, but we were able to raft a fun route from Denny Lake through the Tuscohatchie lakes which would otherwise be unbearable. I also find I'm using them to explore local lowland lakes. https://kokopelli.com/collections/backpacking-collection/products/hornet-lite I heard Chetwoot is not fun to hike around which was my original motivation. I also figured we could raft lower Hardscrabble for a nice break from hiking. If Chetwoot isn't that bad of a hike, then it's probably worth leaving them behind.

[Tom]

I've heard the north side of Chetwoot is a nightmarish steep traverse, but the south side looks quite doable from Matt's pic (click X to see his TR and topo). https://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?p=827996#&pid=dd77ffd1652b377b2ab9a4560070ff7d Personally I'd bring a raft just because mine are so light and to enjoy the lakes while camped.

[noynek]

Thanks. Yea, that’s what I was figuring. They are fun to paddle around in. Funny, I met those guys on that trip. We were just passing each other at big heart. Had a terrible lightning storm. It went on for hours and we were in the exposed tarn above chetwoot, below iron cap lake. The next morning we met a ranger at tank lakes who was equally in shock from the wild night. Made us feel slightly better.

[DadFly]

[noynek]

I agree that it’s a lot of fun just floating and exploring even familiar lakes. You get such a different view of things. The kokopelli feels solid with me and a full pack or a kid in it. It also moves pretty efficiently across the water. Getting in and out is easy. All of this comes at a trade off in weight and price. I bought both of mine used, but they’re still expensive.

[Tom]