Spring Dosolation
As we're all chomping at the bit for higher elevations to open, free of snow, I thought it was perfect to make a return to Desolation Lookout. The East Bank Trail (going to no higher in elevation than 2550) is a safe beat in late spring.
The first 12 miles of the trail are completely cleared out of blow-downs. This puts you at ease, especially on a perfect Spring holiday weekend. The trail past Devil's Junction Camp 12.1 miles in, however, have parts that are a bit of a nightmare. At 6'4, I'm relatively good at dancing with deadfall, but on a 20(ish) mile day to Lightening Creek, it got pretty tiring.
Saturday 5/29 was my return to Dharma Bums. 2.5 miles of dancing with deadfall on the way to Desolation trail. Desolation was surprisingly clear of major deadfall, so much so, that I decided to assist with trail upkeep and play "stick flicks" with trekking poles. I needed the distraction because 4700 ft of climbing in 5.5 miles after 20 mile day.
You can find water on the trail at 3750 (trickle) and 3850, but no flowing water beyond this point. You will find lots of chicken of the woods mushroom right below snow-line.
Snow:
First encountered a patch off trail at 4200.
First patch on trail @ 4500.
I put micro-spikes on and unsheathed my ice axe (with trekking pole in alternate hand) @ 5100
I turned back @ 5400 and could have made the final 600' push, but this was my second time up there and I ran out of energy, plus the views at that elevation were phenomenal.
I returned to Lightening Creek boat camp that night, made my way to May creek for Sunday night, and out back to the TH Monday.
Speaking with a friend that plans on going in two weeks, the snow level is decreasing 200-300 ft every week. I would estimate that Desolation will be snow-free by the 3rd week of June. Until then, I would recommend ice axe, micros, and trekking poles.
Ross Lake is filling fast! I witnessed the water level increase 6-8 inches in 4 hours and supposedly this is an annual "tank filling" event.
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