KAISER WILDERNESS - SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST

If you live in Southern, Central or the lower part of Northern California, you may wish to consider an alternative to the hectic Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks - The Kaiser Wilderness. Located about 70 miles northeast of Fresno on Hwy. 168, the Kaiser Wilderness offers spectacular views, soaring peaks and fine hiking, fishing and backcountry camping opportunities. Whether you begin your treks just north or east of Huntington Lake or try some other trailheads, let me assure you that you will not be disappointed. I have always departed from the Eastwood Visitor Center, hiking to the top of 10,320' Kaiser Peak along a wonderful ridge line with fantastic views of the Sierra Nevadas, or over Potter Pass to Twin Lakes (seems as if there are Twin Lakes everywhere, doesn't it?) and vicinity.

Additionally, to the east lie The Ansel Adams Wilderness (dominated by Lake Thomas A. Edison and Mammoth/Thousand Island Lake environs; and The Dinkey Lakes Wilderness (with Florence Lake to its North and Courtright Reservoir to its South). Both are wonderful places to explore, and both may be accessed from the west.

I typically stay at the Best Western - Clovis (east of Fresno) the night before heading out. It was built in about 1997 or 1998; great rates ($65-$75) and a nice hotel. From there, it takes about 90 minutes to reach Huntington Lake. Telephone (559) 299-1547 for reservations and information.

From Fresno, take Hwy. 168 seventy miles to Huntington Lake (just beyond Shaver Lake). You may make reservations for trail use and obtain a permit – contact Pineridge Ranger District, PO Box 559, Prather CA 93651 – (559) 855-5360. Trail quotas are in effect from the last Friday in June to September 15 - permit reservations are required during this time, only. Once at the lake, you might wish to drop into Eastwood Information Center for a quick orientation. It’s just after the small bridge, to your right, as soon as you reach the Lake.

I'll quickly describe two hikes.

1. Kaiser Peak - Kinnikinnick Campground or Upper Billy Creek Campground trailheads -

Leave Kinnikinnick Campground trailhead at D&F Pack Station (7,000’ elevation) and head west towards Mary’s Meadow; at trail junction (7,600’ elevation), about 3 easy miles in, bear right and begin climbing. Three miles farther (8,400’ elevation) take left at junction; a short but steep mile farther arrive at Nellie Lake (9,000’ elevation). If you've left the trailhead at Upper Billy Creek Campground, head straight north about three miles to junction, passing Mary's Meadow trail shortly after leaving the trailhead; bear left up hill about one mile to Nellie Lake. Grab first camp on your left as you reach the lake; it's a good one. Fishing is usually good. This hike runs almost totally within the deep mountain forest.

The next leg takes you east-northeast across the meadow just north of your camp (keep the rock formation on your left); cross country hike 1 mile to large saddle, then bear due east less than ½ mile to intercept trail again. As an alternative, you may also backtrack one mile from your camp to the junction you took to Nellie Lake, and bear left. The cross country trek is more fun, but try it only if you can read a topo map and compass. Shortly upon reaching the main trail, you should cross a small creek, then reach a junction – bear right. Continuing straight will take you into a long, steep descent into the meadow north of Kaiser Ridge. You do not want to err here. Bearing right, you will ramble along easily, then encounter a major alpine ridge with spectacular views of the Sierra Nevadas. Bonnie, George and Twin Lakes dot the valley below. You will climb gradually until you near Kaiser Peak. The alpine landscape offers interesting glimpses into the stark winters which abide here during winter months. Drop your backpacks at the base of the final climb and day hike to the top (10,320’ elevation). Return to packs and resume your trek, which will now begin a fairly steep descent back to Kinnikinnick Campground and Huntington Lake.

2. Potter Pass to Twin Lakes - Badger Flat Campground trailhead.

Leaving parking area just southwest of Badger Flat, head northwest to Potter Pass (9,200’ elevation), which you will pass over on your way to Upper Twin Lake (8,600’ elevation). The lake lies in the embrace of towering granite. Upon reaching the larger lake, camp on the right or north side, on the ridge above the lake. There’s a great site about 100 yards from the bottom of this small ridge, and another farther up. George Lake, southwest of Upper Twin Lake, is a nice day hike destination. Mosquitoes will be hungry, so carry repellent and maybe a head net. Many people like to camp on the rocky bluffs on the south/southeast rim of Upper Twin Lake, but I find them crowded, shaded and infested with mosquitoes.

Excellent cross country hiking can take you to Walling Lake, Long Lake and Avalanche Lake; camping is permitted there, as well. They are remote and likely to be totally uninhabited. I’ve backpacked both loops and I believe you will enjoy them. They offer excellent hiking, good fishing, spectacular views, alpine environments and usually-acceptable snow conditions in early June. Lin and I will be cross-country hiking these parts mid-June of 2000. We’ll be in the Upper Twin Lakes area, mostly. For very experienced hikers/climbers, it is possible to ascend to Kaiser Ridge just southeast of Kaiser Peak. Go to the base of the ridge, at an obvious, large slash just southwest of George Lake and to the right of the many large boulders. A small waterfall can be seen to the right of the notch. Do this only with other hikers. this is not a wise solo ascent.

3. Other Trailheads -

You may reach the wide-open expanse of the north Kaiser Wilderness via Sample Meadow trailhead; most of your trek would be cross country. I do not find this area as beautiful or interesting, unless you get there via Potter Pass.

Quotas exist for Potter Pass, Deer Creek, Billy Creek and Sample Meadow trailheads from the last Friday in June until September 15, and reservations are then required ($3.00 per person as of 2000).

For more information:

Pineridge Ranger District: (559) 855-5360, or [http://www.sierrawilderness.com/kaiser.html], or P.O. Box 559, Prather, CA 93651, or Email [info@sierrawilderness.com]

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