Nellie Lake Hike 2022

Nellie Lake 2022

Dale Matson

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8.4 miles round trip with 2,000’ of total gain. I took about 5 ½ hours round trip. Maximum elevation is around 9,000’ “All Trails” rates this as a “hard” hike yet George Lake, which is about 10 miles and the same elevation gain is rated as “Medium”? At age 77, I would rate them both as “hard”.

This was my first trip to Nellie Lake following the devastating Creek Fire. The Creek Fire is the largest single wildfire ever in CA. Much of the Sierra National Forest was destroyed from Cressman Road N.E. to Huntington Lake and Big Creek. The Nellie Lake trail was closed for a considerable amount of time because of safety concerns. 

    The first two miles outbound had only dead and charred standing trees. It remains to be seen whether the U.S. Forest Service will allow the trail to remain open unless they do extensive cutting along the trail. Part of the problem is that the trail is in the Kaiser Wilderness and there is nothing but hand tools allowed in a wilderness area. The longer the dead trees stand, the more likely they are to fall.

    Much of the signage was burned up also and where the trail meets the Mary’s Meadow trail is no longer signed and almost invisible. Outbound, I needed my GPS to get me back on the trail when I lost the proper route. (In bound I was able to stay on the trail)

The trail was even dustier than usual with powder mixed with charcoal. Once past the burn area, it was business as usual and a well-defined trail. The Sierra National Forest Workers were working on the deadfalls the day I made the hike. I didn’t run into Ray Acker. His fellow workers said he retired but still volunteers. He and I used to duke it out at C.C. ski races. 

    I saw bear scat and three deer as I hiked. There are also lots of cattle tracks. Ranchers lease the land to feed their cattle. The final part of the trail outbound drops down to the lake. The trail begins with a steep ascent, flattens out with some rollers and then there is a 2nd steep ascent before it drops down to the lake.

    There are two spots where the trail currently crosses streams for filtered water resupply but these streams are seasonal and will dry up later. You can obviously resupply at Nellie Lake. If you pack all your water, I would recommend at least 3 liters. Also bring insect repellent. I only saw one other person on the trail which is common for weekdays. There are camping spots around the lake that can be reserved.

    Was it worth it? Yes, Nellie Lake is a peaceful place with a gentle wind most of the time. I got an early start and was back to my truck by 1pm. I would recommend an early start. It was 80 degrees at 1pm at about 7,200’.