Charlie Pankey

I was reminded of what a special place desolation Lake is in the Backpacking and for some brave hikers day visit location. Desolation Lake is located over the ridge from Lake of the Woods or just up the ridge from Ropi lake in the southern section of desolation. After reaching the end of the lake i proceed west over the small ridge on the west side past Frata Lake and then down into desolation lake. Swimming is cold but incredible as the clarity of the water is spectacular and the water fall that runs down to Ropi lake is an incredible place to just hang out and listen to the wild flow.

The 30-mile Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway traverses avalanche-prone slopes with up to 2,000 foot drops and can hold a snowpack up to 40 feet deep. Snow clearing operations usually begin in March or April and continues for about two months before the highway is entirely open. Crews are transferring the equipment now to the South West entrance where they will begin Starting March 3oth to traverse the steepest slope in Lassen. The March 3rd start date for clearing the roads was the earliest start date in 40 years at the park.

If you choose to make this a backpack adventure there also other great day hike and adventures from her as well, including: Secret Lake, Fremont lake, both great for fishing as well and a Waterfall hike behind Lane Lake. The trail starts at the Wolf Creek Horse Camp and is located 12.5 miles outside of Markleville Ca heading towards Ebbett’s pass on HWY 4, Turning off HWY 4 at Centerville Flat Disperse Camping Area 7.3 miles outside of Markleville. (Round, Dardanelles, & Meiss Lake) this is a7.1 mile out and back day hike that is probably one of the most popular day hike locations in South Lake Tahoe that is not in Desolation Wilderness. hikers park near Tahoe Meadow roadside and can follow section of the Tahoe Rim trail or venture off trail with a little navigational skill towards the South rim of this ridge (towards incline Village).

More campsites across the Plumas National Forest within the Feather River Canyon, Bucks Lake, Lake Davis, and Lakes Basin recreation areas, will be available by reservation this year, according to Forest Supervisor Chris Carlton. Rather than close facilities, via a competitive process, the Forest Service permitted a concessionaire (Outdoors in Plumas) to operate and maintain 68 of the Forest’s 150 developed recreation sites in 2020. The Plumas National Forest will continue to operate 71 recreation sites at no cost to the public, including 10 campgrounds/camp areas. Dispersed camping & day-use opportunities are available in general forest areas where visitors may camp or enjoy day-use activities without a fee, although there may be no restrooms or services such as piped water and trash removal.