WTA Volunteer Vacation – 6/12 to 6/18
Spent the week working on the Holden Lake Trail. We cleared a bunch of blowdowns and did a lot of brushing from the junction with the Cloudy Pass Trail up the switchbacks to the lake. The trail is in much better shape now—way less brush to push through. We also made the stream crossing on the switchbacks safer by uncovering more rocks and trimming back the dense woody growth.
Day Off Hike – Hart Lake (with an Attempt at Lyman Lake)
On my day off, I hiked up to Hart Lake and tried to keep going toward Lyman. The trail to Hart Lake is in great shape—just a little brushy in the lower forest, but totally manageable. The lake is beautiful. Highly recommend having lunch on the rock bar and checking out the “reclining chair” rock—super fun. There’s a designated camp area and a privy at the lake too.
Past Hart Lake, things get rough. The trail is super overgrown—lots of alder, and I was basically tunneling through it. My headnet kept getting snagged on branches. I made it about 1.5 miles past the lake before I saw some cougar scat and decided to turn around. Was hiking solo and didn’t feel like risking more bushwhacking.
General Tip
Bring bug spray. Lots of it. And definitely do a tick check after any of these trails—especially with all the brush.
Comments
Collonious on Holden Lake, Holden to Hart Lake, Lyman Lakes
Headed there for an overnight next week. Looks like the bugs are pretty bad? will be prepared…..
Posted by:
Collonious on Jun 19, 2025 12:14 PM
GoMegaMo on Holden Lake, Holden to Hart Lake, Lyman Lakes
Hi! I wouldn’t say the bugs are out in full force yet, but they are more than a minor annoyance. Everyone in our group got bites. I’d recommend long pants, long shirt (both treated with permethrin), a headnet, and DEET. Have fun!
Posted by:
GoMegaMo on Jun 19, 2025 03:55 PM
SavvyExploring on Holden Lake, Holden to Hart Lake, Lyman Lakes
Thank you for the great work and report!
Posted by:
SavvyExploring on Jun 20, 2025 11:06 AM
GoMegaMo on Holden Lake, Holden to Hart Lake, Lyman Lakes
You’re welcome- happy trails!
Posted by:
GoMegaMo on Jun 20, 2025 12:48 PM
AaronTheHiker on Holden Lake, Holden to Hart Lake, Lyman Lakes
I’m also headed out 6.25-6.30. Thank you for your work on Holden Lake! I’m planning on fly fishing there, Lyman (maybe upper), and Hart. I have bug nets that go over your hat and plenty of bug spray after being assaulted at Lower Tuscohatchie and Melakwa last week.
How was the fire from Pomas? Where was snow level? I bring micros and hike with poles, of course, but just want wondering.
Also, did you see an any bulger climbing groups?
Thank you!
Posted by:
AaronTheHiker on Jun 23, 2025 02:44 PM
GoMegaMo on Holden Lake, Holden to Hart Lake, Lyman Lakes
Hi there,
I didn’t encounter any snow, but if you’re heading up to Lyman, you’ll probably run into some. Another hiker who went to Cloudy Pass said the snow was minimal—they didn’t even need microspikes. Things should be even more melted out by the time you go.
As for the Pomas fire, the smoke was not an issue. One day there was a dark cloud overhead, but it was high-altitude smoke—I couldn’t smell it at all, and the air quality was excellent.
I didn’t see any climbing groups around. Have an awesome trip! And keep an eye out for the beaver family at Hart Lake!
Posted by:
GoMegaMo on Jun 23, 2025 03:02 PM
AaronTheHiker on Holden Lake, Holden to Hart Lake, Lyman Lakes
Thank you!!
Posted by:
AaronTheHiker on Jun 23, 2025 10:18 PM
AaronTheHiker on Holden Lake, Holden to Hart Lake, Lyman Lakes
Thank you!!
Posted by:
AaronTheHiker on Jun 23, 2025 10:18 PM
AaronTheHiker on Holden Lake, Holden to Hart Lake, Lyman Lakes
Thank you!!
Posted by:
AaronTheHiker on Jun 23, 2025 10:18 PM