Birch Lake II: A Bridge Too Far

Birch Lake II: A Bridge Too Far

Dale Matson

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My first attempt at reaching Birch Lake below Birch Mountain (13,609’) can be found here along with the particulars of getting to the trailhead. https://midsierramusing.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-birch-lake-trail-on-and-off.html

         Sharon and I got an early start at 7:30am and made a valiant effort to get to Birch Lake. Unfortunately, after 7 hours of outbound hiking, we realized that we would have to turn back with our goal nearly in sight because we needed to finish in daylight. We were able to return to the truck before it was dark but after sundown. It was that close. Fortunately, we were able to hike back to the truck in 4 hours and 45 minutes. It is indeed sad that one must be at Birch Lake to see it. We were actually above it by about 80’ at one point.

         I believe there are three important things to pass along that could be helpful for those attempting Birch Lake as a 12-mile round trip day hike with over 4,500’ of gain. If I ever do this hike again, it will be an overnight hike.

First, a common mistake (not only me on my first attempt, but others as well) is to take the left fork in the trail which leads to Birch Creek instead of taking the right fork which is the real trail. There is a pile of rocks on the north side of the trail by the junction and white flagging tape. (see photo)

         Second, there is no water available this time of year until the trail runs into a creek at about 5 miles outbound. The springs before that have no water for resupply. Thirdly, when you reach the creek, follow the trail on the near side of the creek climbing about another quarter mile before crossing the creek. There is a cairn to mark that crossing location and several along the trail following that.

         We stopped short of the willows but some have said there is a trail through the willows and another person said to just dive through the willows.

         This is a day hike only for young and fit individuals. We saw some young hunters and older fishermen along the trail. I am nearly 74 years old and even though I am fit, my wife and I could not beat the daylight clock and made a good decision to turn around when we did to allow enough daylight to return to our vehicle. I do not recommend trying to find your vehicle in the dark even if you have a headlamp. The beginning of the trail is simply a maze of possible routes. You can see by the map that even at dusk, we were off the trail on our return.

         My photos were taken with the Sony A7R3, Batis 135mm 2.8 and Batis 25mm 2.0 plus the Sony RX1R2. The mountain I labeled “Ed Lane Peak” is only labeled on the USGS topo map as an altitude.

 Mt. Tinemaha Left And Split Mountain Right At Sunrise From McMurray Meadows Road 

 Green Spot Center Is Where Vehicle Is Parked 5 Miles Away

 Crop of Above Photo Showing White Vehicle (Center) And Trail Sign At End Of Road

The Thumb On Right (13,388')

 Ed Lane Peak At 200mm (cropped 135mm)

 Birch Mountain

 Take The Trail That Goes North At This Junction

 Altitude and Ascent Part Way Outbound

 Owens Valley Below With Inyo Mountains Beyond

 Ed Lane Peak Center

Hunters

Tired!

   

These Last two photos of Birch Lake were taken by Ronn Rose one of the fishermen we met on the trail. Sharon Left a note on his truck asking if he would send us photos of Birch Lake. He was kind enough to do so and I am so glad to include both. Thanks so much for your kindness Ronn!   

I Made It!
https://midsierramusing.blogspot.com/2020/06/birch-lake-third-times-charm.html