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The second hardest route by slegal From The Mammoth Lakes area, there are three ways to get to Thousand Island Lakes. One is via the John Muir Trail. Another is via the River Trail. This hike description is the route via the High Trail, also known as the Pacific Crest Trail. The High Trail officially starts at Agnew Meadows. From the trailhead, the trail heads up a series of switchbacks for about 400 vertical feet and continues to climb in a northwesterly direction once the switchbacks end until the trail tops out at about 9,700 feet. There are many small stream crossings during the first half of the hike and abundant wildflowers. There was lots of wild onion at all of the stream crossings when I hiked the trail. This stuff is quite tasty. At this point the trail descends back down to about 9,540’ before continuing its climb toward the Badger Lakes. Shortly before reaching the Badger Lakes, the trail starts heading in a more westerly direction. Arriving at the first Badger Lake is a welcome sight because you are now only about a mile and a half from Thousand Island Lake. From Badger Lakes the trail climbs steeply toward the high point of the trail to about 9,850. Along the way, the middle fork of the San Joaquin River is adjacent to the trail. Soon, the trail reaches a number of small linked ponds that are part of the outflow of Thousand Island Lake. This is where the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River is still just a small stream. Here, Banner Peak is constantly in view due west. At the high point of the trail you are greeted with your first view of Thousand Island Lake. The trail is fairly flat from this point all of the way to Thousand Island Lake. After approximately, 8.7 miles, the High Trail and The John Muir Trail intersect adjacent to Thousand Island Lake. This is quite a gathering place for hikers, but camping is not allowed near the outlet of the lake. Numerous campsite exist on both sides of the lake beyond about a quarter mile from the outlet. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
