Lake Loop: North Fork Big Pine Creek

First Lake

The day after we climbed Mt Conness we wanted to do something a bit easier on the knees. At least I did – mine were still a bit sore from the big trip I had done in August and Conness just reminded me that I needed to rest a bit longer. We chose to hike the loop of lakes out of Big Pine. This is a beautiful spot, sitting just below the Palisades and the ridge of assorted 14ers. It wasn’t a short hike, but being all on-trail made it nice and easy.

We did the loop counter-clockwise, starting at Black Lake and working our way around Fourth, Fifth, Third, Second, and finally First. First, Second, and Third Lakes are an amazing opaque turquoise due to the silt in the water from the glaciers above. We fished many of the lakes but had limited success since it was midday. We saw fish in all of the lakes but they were only biting in Fifth.

There is nothing special to note about this trip – the map and the pictures say it all. If you want to see all of the photos, check them out here. Unfortunately it was pretty hazy due to the smoke from the Sheep Fire. I’d love to go back to these lakes with my SLR when the haze is gone!