Schaefer Lake — Saturday, Jul. 20, 2024

My third time up to Schaefer Lake and it never disappoints. There is a short section of thick brush to navigate until you get to the river. We chose the log crossing. As always use extreme caution and watch your step here. A slip could put river current on you with an entanglement of logs underneath. That being said, with caution it’s not a hard crossing. Once across the Chiwawa you continue to slowly climb through thick brush and after a mile or so it’s smooth sailing. The first couple miles climb gently. This year there are so many huckleberries!  Last year there was next to nothing but right now is the time if you like them. Bring many bottles as there are a lot of large sweet berries. I swear the hike took twice as long as we kept stopping to eat them. The last mile is the steepest section but never too bad. Little Schaefer would normally be a great end to a hike as it’s a pretty little lake in a heart shape. Press on as the large Schaefer lake await you. Circle around to the left for a beautiful campsite which is perched about 10 feet above the lake. At this angle the lakes incredible blues and green color show off. This is an excellent lunch and swimming area. There are great trees to hang hammocks. I’d bring a bug net!  The mosquitos here don’t mess around. 
9 miles 2800 ft. Great day!