The road to the Pinnacle Lake trailhead had many potholes. A 4-wheeldrive vehicle with a high clearance would be preferable, though we did so sedans on the road. We started our hike at 10:05 on a bright, clear Sunday. The muddy conditions on the 2-mile stretch to Pinnacle Lake have disappeared thanks to the lack of rainfall. Made our way around through the rocks on the left-side of the lake to the point where the ascent up Iodine Gulch begins. We rested here and began climbing at about 11:30 am. Mostly clambered on rocks, but in some places there are little trails. Smoke from forest fires was visibly filling the valley below and detracting from what otherwise would be perfect conditions and high visibility. The steepest part is the last stretch, which is a scramble. I was glad for my heavy boots and shoes, as you really need to get good foot placement, watch your balance, and be careful not to knock rocks on your buddies below. We reached the top at about 1:30 pm. After a rest, we ascended, thinking we would be at the first of the lakes soon. But somehow we got off the trail, following some rock cairns. We retraced our steps and found the yellow painted rocks, and finally got to the lakes around 2 pm. To avoid our mistake, right after beginning the descent from the pass, look for yellow paint on the rocks. Some of the paint spots are beginning to fade, but they are visible if you are observant. Do not follow what appears to be the obvious trail that goes through a dried mud-hole. Even though this looks like the way, it is not, and will vector you south of the basin. It is possible this might be a roundabout way to the far lakes, we just didn't know.  We reached the first of the lakes in about ten minutes. The effort to get there was worthwhile. Even though it was a Sunday, we encountered only one other person on the climb, and a few more who had stopped at Pinnacle Lake. There were about 6 cars in the lot when we arrived. We took our time returning, and got back to the parking lot at 6:30 pm. Although the hike is not long in terms of distance, the ascent and descent of Iodine Gulch will test your knees and legs. Allow all day for this one. Wildflowers in abundance at the top of the gulch and the blueberries were out on the Pinnacle Lake trail.

Forest Road 4021 to Bear/Pinacle/Bathtub/Ashland/ect lakes has now been repaired at the major road washout damage.  It was a SUV/4x4 hole when we went in at 9am and it was completed fixed when we came out around 5pm.  That doesn't mean the road isn't rough and full of large potholes.  This road sees little maintenance and is pretty rough, but you just have to go slow.

The trail to Pinacle Lake is roots, roots, and more roots.  Elevation gain is modest (1200') from the TH to Pinacle, but roots slow you down until  you get above the switchbacks.  Still a little mud, but not like earlier.  Once at Pinacle Lake we went left around the lake on rocks staying close the water edge around to the gulley heading up to Bathtub.

About 4 small snow patches in the gulley, all melting out.  The first one collapsed over the stream while we were up at the lakes.  Stay right in the gulley and head up Iodine Gulch which has a rough little bootpath up mostly near the creek bed.  Nearer the top it leaves the middle of gulley and heads up the right side to the painted rock "Iodine Gulch sign"  Once up to the saddle it's still a little ways across the basin to the Bathtub Lakes.  You'll pass several small tarns before coming to the larger lakes. 

about 6 people were camped out at Bathtub lakes.  We settled in on a large rock to enjoy the views and lunch before heading down the steep gulley and back to Pinacle and eventually the trailhead.  It really seems longer than 6.5 miles and 2300' of elevation, but that what my stats showed.  We didn't bring poles, and regretted not having them for parts of the trail.  Also be prepared for quite a bit of rock/root/boulder scrambles on the way up and down.  And finally stay off of the snow bridges and don't be tempted to go into the "caves" that are under the snow in the gulley.  The collapsing snow will crush you as the fallen chuches were about 6' square. 

So. . . That big road washout that has been there all season was FIXED TODAY!!  We drove up and carefully through the washout-no problem in my SUV, then when we came back it was FIXED!  Yay!  Anyway, today I finally got a chance to see Bathtub Lakes!  Stunning little basin : )  After a quick peek at Bear Lake, we headed up to Pinnacle Lake without incident.  Getting around the edge of Pinnacle Lake was surprisingly easy.  We stayed super close to the water and edged around on the rocks all the way to the entrance to the Gulch.  I suspect the water level is lower then it has been earlier in the season and made getting to the gulch very straight forward.  We followed the water up Iodine Gulch and to the rock with the painted sign on it.  The snow is pretty much gone at this point, and the last fields are melting out quickly one big snow bridge fell in while we were at the lakes and was laying on the ground as we came back down! From the top of Iodine Gulch to the Bathtub Lakes there was a very obvious climbers trail along with the yellow paint patches made reaching the lakes a breeze!  Almost too easy really, but the views were stunning!  Loved it : )