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The curse of Island Lake

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Paul Wagner BPL Member
PostedSep 19, 2014 at 9:48 am

Three times.

Three times we have made plans to hike to Island Lake in the Desolation Wilderness. And three times our plans have been foiled. Once because M wasn't feeling well. Once because a huge storm was predicted (and delivered.) And now the King Fire.

Tahoe National Forest has announced that all hiking in Desolation Wilderness should be abandoned until that massive fire is under control—and it is 5% contained at this point. It has destroyed homes, injured firefighters, and carbonized over 100,000 acres of forest. And it has closed US 50 for a few miles as well.

So even if we WANTED to go hiking there, we couldn't get through to the trailhead. We've had other trips cancelled, both because of fire (in Yosemite) or other reasons. But we've never had to cancel the same itinerary more than once, except for Island Lake.

And now it's three times.

Ever had to cancel a trip more than once to the same place?

Joe Lynch BPL Member
PostedSep 21, 2014 at 8:45 pm

Paul,
Love your website; thanks for all of the hard work. Just got back from Gold Lake in the Plumas NF and drove on 80 back. The smoke was horrendous, couldn't imagine hiking in it. Yesterday was fine for us but smoke came in last night.

Never been aced out three times for one place.

Paul Wagner BPL Member
PostedSep 21, 2014 at 9:39 pm

For the kind words about our site.

And now for the good news: Credit where credit is due…(pun intended) we got a phone call the day our hike was supposed to start, informing us that the trailhead was closed….and that they were refunding our permit money!

Bob Gross BPL Member
PostedSep 21, 2014 at 9:42 pm

Now you know why I gave up on the Devastation Wilderness years ago.

–B.G.–

Bill Law BPL Member
PostedSep 22, 2014 at 9:29 am

"Now you know why I gave up on the Devastation Wilderness years ago."

No I don't. Could somebody explain this to me, please?

Did Bob give up on Desolation Wilderness because Paul's partner fell ill once, because there was a storm one time, or because he knew there was going to be a nearby big fire years in the future?

I've enjoyed my trips there, despite Paul's misfortune.

Alex Wallace BPL Member
PostedSep 24, 2014 at 4:21 pm

Wow, three times would be frustrating, but don't give up; Island Lake is a wonderful destination with plenty of cross country opportunities nearby to explore.

Island Lake:

Brian Mix BPL Member
PostedSep 25, 2014 at 9:48 am

I had no issues with Island Lake a month ago when I was there. My view here is from my exit climb up the northern saddle which I used to eventually get to Clyde Lake.

island

Kate Anthony BPL Member
PostedSep 26, 2014 at 5:29 pm

I was there last month also. It was beautiful. Don't give up on Desolation yet. Hoping the precip they got yesterday and today will help the firefighters get it under control. Also, another small fire broke out near the Bayview trail head yesterday. I haven't heard an update on that one. I was planning a trek from Echo Lakes to Donner Pass beginning 10/1. Moved the trip to Tuolume Meadows. Have another long weekend planned in Desolation on 10/21. Will have to see how much progress they make on the King fire.

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
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