Dale Matson
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Hike Route
What a wonderful snow year this has been in the Sierra
Nevada Mountains with nearly 500” of snowfall at China Peak Ski Resort.
Tamarack Snow Park is about a 1.5-hour drive east of Fresno, CA with an
elevation of about 7,500’. It is off Highway 168 between Shaver and Huntington
Lakes. There is still considerable snow pack at Tamarack that I would
guesstimate at about 10’ at this elevation with a much deeper snowpack above
10,000’. A snow park permit is required until May 1st. It is $5.00
per day or $25.00 for an annual pass. You can pick one up at several places in
Shaver Lake on the way up. Trail maps are available when you pick up your
permit.
The snow is firm enough to walk on and I used trail shoes
with slip-on micro-spikes and trekking poles. The outbound trail to Tamarack
Meadow has a slight descent of about 150’ with a total mileage of about 4 miles
round trip. Old snowmobile tracks have made the snow firmer and distinct. It is
also frequently marked with trail signs to indicate the route. I was out a
total of about 2.5 hours.
During the week, there are few folks at the snow park and
fewer still on the trails beyond the trailhead. As you head out the main trail
(Tamarack Trail) you will come to an initial intersection about .5 miles from
the trailhead. The trail on the right outbound is (Raven Trail) Nordic Ski Only,
which means no snowmobiles. It leads to an overlook of Shaver Lake. The trail
on the left (Squirrel Trail) does allow snowmobiles. If you continue a short
distance further out the Tamarack Trail, you will see the Meadow Trail come in
from the left with the sign on the right.
If you have a dog off leash, be careful not to let him jump
in Tamarack Creek at this time since it would be difficult to climb back out
with the high snow banks along the creek. We had this problem in the past with
our Airedale and I had to haul her out making a lasso with a 30’ length of
webbing strap.
There is a nice rest spot before heading back. It is located
near the end of the Meadow where an unnamed creek joins the South Fork of
Tamarack Creek. Red Mountain (9,863’) can be seen to the west. It was a great
joy to be in the mountains again as I continue to recover from my anemia. The
creek water is crystal clear and the sights pristine. It is good for renewing
body and soul alike. The temperature when I returned to my vehicle was 55
degrees Fahrenheit and I was down to a wool shirt and ski pants. Take extra gear in a day pack, for the mountains make their own weather. Many of you are not able to go there because
of distance or physical limitations. I hope you will enjoy the journey with me.
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