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Brainerd Lake - 1 member in 2 triplogs has rated this an average 5 ( 1 to 5 best )
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Sep 13 2015
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
South Fork Big Pine CreekSierra Nevada, CA
Sierra Nevada, CA
Hiking avatar Sep 13 2015
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking9.99 Miles 3,647 AEG
Hiking9.99 Miles   6 Hrs   18 Mns   1.97 mph
3,647 ft AEG   1 Hour   14 Mns Break
 
1st trip
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johnlp
Tortoise_Hiker
Sunday's hike was south fork to brainerd, finger and willow lakes
south fork trail branches off just past the first waterfall
the drainage had filled with smoke the night before, but all clear in the morning
not a lot of rest from our big hike Saturday
the trail followed the creek for awhile, then started climbing
after close to three miles, topped out on a saddle, and continued through forest
passed the willow lake turnoff, saving that for the return
eventually ascended to brainerd lake
off trail to finger lake, with a bit of scree and some boulder hopping
well worth the extra effort, and while it would be difficult to get a backpack up there, there are some beautiful campsites overlooking the lake
explored for awhile, but clouds started building earlier and smoke began rolling in and we didn't want to descend the off trail in the rain
our route down was a little better
a quick stop at brainerd, then down to the willow lake intersection
didn't realize that was off trail too, but this one was flat
started sprinkling, so we didn't stay long, but the rain stopped soon after we took off
back through the forested part and down the long switchbacks
got back to camp relatively early, and had burgers and beans at glacier lodge for dinner :)
didn't know what to expect from this hike, but it was just as beautiful and a little more remote than the glacier/basin hike, especially once getting to the saddle
good aeg and some off trail to the lakes
now to figure out how I can spend more time in the eastern sierras :-k
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hazhole
  1 archive
Sep 13 2015
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
South Fork Big Pine CreekSierra Nevada, CA
Sierra Nevada, CA
Hiking avatar Sep 13 2015
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking9.99 Miles 3,647 AEG
Hiking9.99 Miles   6 Hrs   18 Mns   1.59 mph
3,647 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
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johnlp
trekkin_gecko
This hike is listed as 10 for scenery and 6 for solitude and Strenuous. It is called Brainerd and Fingers lake in the book with a side trip to Willow Lake. The first mile or two are pretty flat then you gain half the hikes AEG by mile three. Once you hit the saddle and go over, there is an awesome view. We did see a few people on this hike although I agree the feeling of more solitude was there. We went to Brainerd and Finger Lake first and checked out Willow on the way back. The area of these two lakes are pretty cool. It would be fun to explore more in the area. The 30% chance of rain only dropped a few drops as we checked out Willow Lake on the way back. We never needed the raincoat, though. I really enjoyed this one. Thanks John and Kelly. I had a great time. :y:
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Sierra Nevada
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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
average hiking speed 1.78 mph

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.

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