Lawrence Lake in Desolation Wilderness

Lawrence Lake is secluded, offers level campsites,

and is a perfect basecamp to explore surrounding

lakes and waterfalls.

Lawrence Lake, June 2013

Directions:  
Take Highway 50 E and turn north on Ice House Road.  Follow the signs to Wrights Lake and park at the Rockbound Trailhead. 
OR  (a better drive if you ask me):

Take the Wrights Lake Road north (between the 36 mile tract and the 39 mile tract) in the vicinity of Kyburz off Highway 50 and follow the signs.

Difficulty and Distance: I rate this as strenuous due to the length (no less than 13 miles round trip) and the rocky road and creek crossings.  Overall though, it is a fun, pleasant hike and is Easy to Moderate as a backpack trip.

Park at the Rockbound Trailhead parking.  There is a restroom near the trailhead signs.

Jeep trail

Begin your hike on the jeep road rather than the actual Rockbound Trail.  It has a green gate across it, and is labeled. The road/trail was not being used by jeeps at this time this was written and the condition varies from good dirt road as shown, to 4-wheeling eroded and rocky road.



Our first creek crossing.  
That is our cohort, Marcia.

At this time the creeks are all low but you can imagine that hiking here earlier in the season or in a heavier snowfall year,  might be more challenging.

Columbine blooming among corn lilies.

A variety of wildflowers are in bloom all along the way.



Wide open views

After winding through the woods, the trail opens out to large granite areas with gorgeous views.

Mariposa Lilies



Large meadow / "skeeters kitchen."

The trail takes you through a couple of these large mountain meadows that are alive with biting, buzzing, carnivorous, bugs and mosquitoes.



More creeks to cross.  (That is actually Chris!)



The creeks have rocks you can mostly use for dry crossings but hiking poles
sure help balance on them.  All the rocks are not stable so check before you step!

Out of place restroom!

Near Barrett Lake this surprising bathroom sits to the side of the trail!



Barrett Lake

At Barrett there are open, large campsites with fire pits,
(no fires are allowed

 at this time).  The campsites offer little privacy.



Lawrence Lake

Keep hiking along the now single file trail that heads north to Lawrence Lake.



Super Moon June 2013

This was the super moon rising over the lake at 10:30 pm. 



Sunrise on Lawrence Lake

We camped along the north side of the lake but we discovered several good places to camp. 

The elevation graph shows you the highs and lows.  It really isn't a hard hike.  There are plenty of places to rest and if you have more energy it can be used exploring.  Along with the other lakes, there are waterfalls worth exploring.

This shows the route we hiked on this trip.  GPS is loaded here: Lawrence Lake .

Hike data.

Lawrence Lake makes a great basecamp to explore the surrounding lakes shown above.

For more hikes check Peachy's Trails by Location

with mileage and difficulty ratings, and

these Desolation Wilderness Trails:

Related Posts you might be interested in for nearby trails:

Desolation Wilderness
2015-07	Lyons & Sylvia Lakes	10+ miles	Strenuous
2014-08	McConnell Lake Loop	30 miles	Moderate to Strenuous/Difficult
2014-07	Rockbound to Doris, Lois & Maud Lakes	18 miles	Moderate-Difficult
2014-06	Lyons Creek Trail to Lake Sylvia	12+ miles	Moderate to Strenuous
2013-06	Lawrence Lake	13+ miles	Moderate to Strenuous
2012-09	Umpa Lake & Enchanted Pools	8+ miles	Cross country ~ Moderate
2012-08	Horsetail Falls via Pyramid Creek TH	Aprox.  10 miles to lakes at the top of the falls	"Difficult, and potentially dangerous" miles
2012-07	Rockbound Trail to Maude Lake	10 miles	Moderate
2012-07	Twin Lakes Trail to Island Lake	8 miles	Moderate-Strenuous
2012-06	Lyons Lake via Lyons Creek Trail	10+ miles	Strenuous
2012-08	Lyons Creek Trail to Lake Sylvia	9.2 miles	Moderate
2012-06	Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lakes	6+ miles	Strenuous
2011-07	Lyons Creek Trail with melting snow	9+ miles	Moderate
2011-02	Grouse Lake	3.8 miles	Moderate
2010-09 We hiked 12 days.	Tahoe Rim Trail	167 total	Moderate to Strenuous

See the Full Table of Contents.

Added updated links and Table of Contents 06-2016

 Link for permits and other related information
Marcia introduced us to these individual packs of olives.  I am addicted!  Give them a try for the best backpacking snack food! 

 Green Olives for the Socially Responsible

HAPPY TRAILS!



And thanks to Chris F. for planning this trip!  She is searching

out the Hidden and Lost Lakes this year!  I was fortunate to join this unbelievable group of women backpacking! 

P.S. One more thing is that three of us carried bear canisters for our food and all complained about how heavy they are.  Lawrence Lake has plenty of trees to bear bag your food and personal items.  For more information about a good bear bagging system, check out Stick's Blog .

Stevens Trail in Colfax, CA

The 7.5-9 mile round trip on historic Stevens Trail is conveniently located near Colfax off I-80.  It is well maintained, offers excellent canyon views, and is lavishly adorned with wildflowers in the spring! 

Parking is provided, and there is a bathroom at the trailhead.

As noted,  it is a 9 mile round trip, so well suited for a whole day hike.  You will hike down about 1200 feet and back up on your return.

After weaving through the shady woods, the trail opens out onto this old roadway.



You will soon find more wide woody sections.



Some sections are lush and lined with shrubby, riparian, wildflower dotted and narrow trail.  It is easy to follow though. 

As things get more of the western exposure, they dry up considerably, making it best to start your hike before the heat has set in.

This wonderful stream crosses the trail.  No wet feet necessary; rocks are there to step across.  Carry water in since this is not acceptable drinking water.

 There is poison oak and there are also cougar warnings.  Best hiked in groups making some noise to avoid surprising wildlife.  Keep kids close to adults.

At last, views of the length of the canyon open up.



Along this section, some turn back for fear of heights!  The trail is almost flat
but spooky views aren't for the faint of heart!



Far below is the river, your destination. 
The openness of the views can bring on vertigo!  (Chuckle)



Stevens Trail wildflowers are colorful distractions!

I started out a bit late in the day, and it gets HOT along the canyon walls.

On your return, it is a pleasure to re-enter the riparian, moist cool woods.

I found some great information for my hike at MVTA.

• From I80, take the Canyon Way exit at Colfax and follow the frontage road east (to your left), alongside the freeway.  It will take you to the parking.
• Do not park on the roadway please.  Use the provided parking for the trail.  The restroom is in the parking lot.
• Again, take water and snacks.  Try to arrive early for parking and a cool hike.  Leave your plans with someone at home and allow enough time to hike out before sunset.





For a fabulous set of GPS tracks you can send to your iPhone, and a detailed description of the trail, go to Everytrail.
For more trail reviews by Peachy Hiker:   Trails by Location
HAPPY TRAILS!

 

 



Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park

The park has seasonal camping and picnic areas on only a first come first serve basis, and along with trails for hikers, a museum for history buffs.  As a regional Indian museum, the collection at Chaw'se includes Northern, Central and Southern Miwok, Maidu, Konkow, Monache, Nisenan, Tubatulabal, Washo, and Foothill Yokuts. Examples of tools, basketry, featherwork, arrowheads and more.  It is located at 14881 Pine Grove-Volcano Road, Pine Grove, CA.

Coloma's Dutch Creek in June 2013

Coloma is sizzling hot!

Poison oak abounds!

Kayakers are in season! 

 Coloma has a variety of activities besides the approximately 3+ mile hike described below.  It offers picnic areas, historical mining structures including the old jail, a museum, a country store, a small coffee shop, old time photos, living history days, and the river.  This is a great place for family picnics.

 

To get to the trail along Dutch Creek, walk from the parking toward this historic
Sutter Mill, along the street side.  Cross the one lane bridge and turn right on Bayne Street.

 

Poppies are still in bloom,

and adorn the vineyard hillside along the roadway.

 

 This is the gate to the trail.  As you walk up Bayne it could easily be missed.  The tree sort of blocks it and this view is looking straight at it after passing the tree.  It is legal to climb over or through the gate to hike here, and it is publicly owned property.  The trail is not very suitable for bicycles, only hikers.

 

After you cross through the green forestry gate, Mount Murphy is your focal point. You will be hiking at the base of it along the south side.  Thistles abound and the grasses are dry.  I wore gaiters to keep them out of my shoes and socks.

These beauties are called gum plants and the blooms open into large yellow flowers.  I found them scattered along the trail before I reached the shade.

When you enter the woody area, the trail is pleasantly cooler. 

At this point I found a nice cutoff marked by boulders that leads you to the creek.  I was so hot I had no choice to but to take it down.  It is a little rough, so be aware that there is some erosion and a short steep section.

This tiny waterfall makes an enticing rushing sound you can hear up on the trail.  Here is a pond deep enough to immerse yourself in but be careful.  The rocks are super slippery.  I opted to climb over to the falls and just soak my head and shirt!  What a relief!

 

Although things are dry, these Purdy's Brodiaea bloom April through June are still brighten the path.

 

This has a nice deep spot and plenty of shade.  It is a great picnic spot, and you can take another dip in this small pool.

Unless, of course, swimming with fish bothers you!  Plenty of these were swimming around and uninhibited by my presence!  Again, make your way back up to the trail and head east, upstream.  To this point the trail has been in overall good condition.

This waterfall was my biggest reward on this hike.  The trail is eroded and hiking
solo seemed too risky for me to continue to Dutch Creek Falls and
Johntown Falls.  This is a pretty area, less suitable for a dip.  There is
heavy moss growing in the water.  Downstream just a bit is a gravel bar,
 nice normally for hanging out, but pretty uninviting at this time. 

The creek is pretty downstream beyond the gravel bar.  From this stop I turned back, hoping to return and hike above the trail on a cooler day to see the biggest waterfalls.

On my way back, I watched the kayakers from the bridge before calling it a day.

 Driving Directions:

• Go to Coloma on CA 49 between I-80 and Highway 50; pay $8.00 for parking at the parking lot kiosk in the second state parking provided on the river side of the highway.  Bathrooms are provided and roomy for changing clothes.
• Walk south from the parking, then over the one lane bridge. (You can't miss it as the town is VERY small.) 
• Turn right on Bayne and follow the paved road to the locked green gate on the left across from the house downhill by the river. It is also identifiable by small signs like rattlesnake warnings, says "State Park", and is a regular locked forestry green gate you climb over or through. If you get to a fork n the road, you went too far.
• The trail is single file, but visible despite the weeds.

It leads through the grassy meadow, into the trees, and then has some steep ups and downs, but they are short. There is some brush, a couple of tree falls you have to climb over, under, or around.  The trail is hard dry soil mostly, some seems to have been loosened for better footing going down to the creek.   Hiking pole(s) are handy balancing tools. If I can give any advice, it is wear GOOD hiking shoes. Watch out for the abundant poison oak, visible all along the way.  Follow the trail! Have an adventurous and happy day!  Take plenty of water!

Latitude: 38-47'57'' N

Longitude: 120-52'54'' W

Thank you for checking in! There is another review of this hike on this blog dated April of 2010, and has some other information, and beautiful photos showing the seasonal differences you can come across.

For more hikes see Trails By Locations

June 1, 2013

 

Coloma's Dutch Creek Falls and Johntown Falls

For Johntown and Dutch Creek Waterfalls GPS, maps, and more thorough information, click here.



Upper Dutch Falls on Sept 30, 2012.



The affectionately named "Ancient Lady" southwest of the Upper Dutch Falls 9-2012.



The top of Johntown Falls 9-2012

Take water with you as there is none very appealing to try to purify!

 

Dutch Creek Trail needs serious maintainance work to become safe, and beware of the poison oak you can barely see now.  It is everywhere, but leafless or with little white balls, but bare branches.  It is no less toxic to the allergic. 

In spring, here is what you may have to look forward to if we can get some volunteers to work on the trail:

The photo below is Johntown Falls at Coloma, CA. photographed by this blogger who lead this hiking day with a Meetup.com. hiking club.  The falls were glorious and the hikers equally enjoyable! Weather was warm and mild, the water flow was gorgeous, and the company exquisite!

The next one is a shot of the trail as it enters the woods. Looks pretty docile, huh?

A walk in the park, so to speak.

This is one of our feisty hikers...none too intimidated as the trail

becomes more rugged and less park-like.

These are more of our fantastic group with high spirits for the day, waiting to see what is in store.

     Some took this side trail down to see the Lower Dutch Creek Falls that sometimes forms two separate falls, side by side, that are dropping around, guessing here, 10 feet. At about this time, one of our hikers got hurt, and that makes this a good time to advise good hiking shoes, and for hikers to beware of the short steeper sections of this trail. It is not maintained in any way, and you'll find yourself having to go over or around obstacles like rock outcroppings or tree falls. I might as well mention there is poison oak around here too. At some times of the year it is leafless, so be careful what you grab. Stay on trail and I don't recommend shorts or short sleeves if you are allergic.

When we reached Dutch Creek Falls and Johntown Creek Falls some members took a nice break, while the group I affectionately call the "Bushwhacking Maniacs" climbed higher and closer to the falls and then on up to overlook both falls from as high as we could get.

The trail to the falls is narrow, occasionally steep, but good solid tread, and do-able.  For people thrown off by viewing a steep hillside from a narrow path, this might just be too scary.

These are Bushwhackers getting closer to the falls.

Following a few minutes photographing and enjoying the falls' spray, we headed UP through loose rock, through dry weeds and stickers, over boulders, to the top!

Look, no hands!  Another hint.  Watch and listen for rattlesnakes.

This is the top of Johntown Creek Falls; the first photograph on this entry is the same falls.

From the top, we had excellent views of the entire Dutch Creek Falls.

It was worth every sticker I brought home!

Here is the view downstream of both falls. Can you find all the poison oak? 

Again, take precautions because it IS there!

Here are your blog writer and photographer with a fellow bushwhacker who wore, note, motorcycle pants on this adventure!

Some photos included courtesy of our hiking club members.

This was a most excellent day!

Directions:

• Go to Coloma on CA 49 between I-80 and Highway 50; pay for parking at the parking lot kiosk.  
• Walk over the one lane bridge. (You can't miss it as the town is VERY small.) 
• Turn right on Bayne and follow the paved road to the locked green gate on the left across from the house downhill by the river. It is also identifiable by small signs like rattlesnake warnings, says "State Park", and is a regular locked forestry green gate you climb over or through.
• The trail is single file, but visible. 

It leads through the grassy meadow, into the trees, and then has some steep ups and downs, but they are short. There is some brush, a couple of tree falls you have to climb over, under, or around.  The trail is hard wet soil mostly.  Hiking pole(s) are handy balancing tools. If I can give any advice, it is wear GOOD hiking shoes. Follow the trail to the falls! Have an adventurous and happy day!

Latitude: 38-47'57'' N

Longitude: 120-52'54'' W

Thank you for checking in! There is another review of this hike on this blog dated April of 2010, and has some other information, and beautiful photos showing the differences you can come across.

Peachy Hiker's Table of Contents   Dutch Creek Trail in June 2013

updated 6-2013 with photos and cautions!