Dale Matson
Courtright Dam Barely Visible
I wrote an article about Courtright last year that has more
particulars regarding directions and sights along the way. http://midsierramusing.blogspot.com/2016/07/dinkey-creek-area-and-courtright.html
This year my post includes more photographs from the vista
overlook above Courtright and more photographs of Courtright itself. While the
road to Courtright Reservoir off McKinley Grove Road is a U.S. Forest Service
Road, access is determined by PGE. Because this was a winter of abundant snow
and PGE keeps the access gated until the snow melts, this was the first week
the road was open. The lake altitude is over 8,000’ and this is about the snow line
at present.
My son Ben and I were surprised to see 20 or so cars at the
boat ramp and near the dam. There were about a dozen folks fishing along the
dam. We had lunch there but drove on a road that travels north along the west
side of the lake. The campground areas were still closed. The road ends at a
gate blocking access to private residences. The trailhead to Cliff Lake also
begins in this area.
We turned around and headed south again and found a pullout
to park in to walk down to the lake for more photographs. The lake is as full
an as blue as I have ever seen it with some snow still covering massive Maxson
Dome (10,143’) on the east side of the lake. It is quite a landmark for those
doing a day hike to Hobler Lake or places beyond like Black Cap and Red
Mountain Basins that require wilderness permits for several days of
backpacking.
When the trail conditions improve later in summer this is
also where the drive starts for the wicked 31-mile Dusy-Ershim OHV trail that
ends near Kaiser Pass to the north. The trail is fairly tame until after
Voyager Rock. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt-5BHgM7CA&t=175s
You have to drive on a single lane road across the dam to
access these trailheads and camping areas. Don’t look to your right!
I used an assortment of lenses with my Sony A7R2. Those
included the 24-70 2.8 GM, 18mm 2.8 Zeiss Batis, and adapted Canon 70-200 2.8
and 400 f4 lenses. All of these lenses are sharp but the 18mm Batis remains my
favorite for rendering color.
Click On Photographs To Enlarge
Three Of Many Area Domes
Ben Taking A Risk For Just The Right Photograph!
Happy Angler And A Friend
River Gorge Below Dam
Small Creek Flowing Into Courtright
Pollen
70mm Vista
Mt. Goddard (13,563') 200mm
400mm
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