Hey all,

Planning to do the Rae Lakes loop over the July 4 weekend, any words of wisdom from those who have done it around that time of year? Obviously, one can't predict the weather, but wondering if crampons may be needed, bug gear, etc. Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

Aaron

I camped at Rea Lakes on July 4th weekend 2002. Just one word for you - MOSQUITOES !!!

Glen Pass will be completely covered with snow, but enough PCT through-hikers will have been over the pass by July 4, and you should have no problem finding the route. It is steep, and an axe might be useful for comfort. I don't think crampons are necessary at all if you sticking to the "trail"

there will be almost as many people camped at Rae Lakes as there will be mosquitos.

Thanks everyone.

Do you guys really think it will be THAT crowded in July? I'm debating whether to postpone this Rae Lakes until later in the year? Since I'm planning to do the High Sierra Trail in August, I thought the Rae Lakes loop might be a nice warm-up. But having to deal with a "crowd" doesn't really excite me...

Aaron

Haven't done the loop per se, though I've been back there via Glen Pass. I do remember hiking in from the west once the ranger issuing permits telling me how that loop sees many of the permits issued compared to other areas. Still, looks like a great loop, people or not and I'd sure like to do it one day. Also, when I did Glen Pass, there was a huge trough worn into the snowfield that was about waist deep, so it felt really tame.

It depends on what your definition of crowded is. July 4, 2006 that place was an absolute zoo- must've seen 30-40 people there. We just hiked through... camped real high below Glen Pass, and then over below Pinchot Pass, all to avoid the crowds, but there were enough people and bugs at the Rae Lakes to kinda ruin it for me.

Anyone been to Rae Lakes in the last week or so? NPS report says "winter conditions" and for Glen Pass. I'm a little concerned about how "passable" it will be next week for a backpacking trip? Also, what about stream crossings, a lot of warnings about them being extremely hazardous. Does this mean the trail may be cut off by impassable water?

(Never sure how to interpret these NPS reports.)

Aaron

I thought the NPS said not only it was winter conditions, but that the lakes were frozen and lots of snow around? If so, not sure if that's the experience you have in mind...

Hi Shawn,

Where did you see that info about the lakes being frozen? Do you have a link?

Aaron

puffer wrote:Hi Shawn,

Where did you see that info about the lakes being frozen? Do you have a link?

Aaron

Hi Aaron,

See here: http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/trailcond.htm

Under the Woods Creek entry.

Government 'info' is so out of date that it's completely useless which is why I'm still holding out hope that Thousand Island Lake will at least be partially melted out this weekend.

Here is a photo of Rae Lakes taken two weeks ago (June 15th)


It is from the journal of a thru hiker http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=317238

butitsadryheat wrote:If that was two weeks ago, my guess is that it would be pretty much done by this weekend. It has been warm!!!. Should be for the rest of the week too. 107F today where I live.

107 isn't so hot, if it's a dry heat.