Jimmy Hooker

Jimmy Hooker

Backpack to Warren Lake

07/03/17

We went this last weekend on July 1st/2nd and couldn't make it past Frog Lake Cliff, which is only about 3 miles in. There was so much snow/ice pack you couldn't see the trail, and in some areas where the snow had melted around trees you could see that it was at least 10 feet deep in places. Bushwhacking through snow/ice made travel, stream crossings, and the like very slow going and honestly kind of dangerous since we didn't have crampons or snow shoes (didn't think we'd need that in July). It took an enormous amount of time to navigate. We saw a number of people on the way who had given up on even reaching Frog Lake Cliff. Tahoe got a huge amount of snow the winter of 2016/2017, so this may be an off year. I have no idea how PCT thru-hikers are going to handle this stuff. I will say though, it was very, very beautiful. We found a really amazing spot just across the stream that had an incredible view overlooking the valley, and nobody was around. A couple things I would note here, remember to get a fire permit if you're going to be using any kind of gas stove. Another thing, follow the signs for the PCT trailhead off the freeway. You'll park, hike a bit, then get to a couple tunnels that take you under the freeway to the fork between Donner Lake Rim Trail, Summit Lake, and Warren Lake. Summit Lake is not even worth it if you want to camp in my opinion. You can see/hear the freeway from it. There are people who drive in and bring inflatable paddle boards. If that's your thing, do it up. I would suspect the kinds of people considering Warren Lake wouldn't consider Summit Lake.

4.0