August 2018 update Grouse Ridge Lookout ~ and Trail Head

Experience miles of Grouse Ridge trails for backpacking, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and swimming in many of the lakes.  

And take in the views!

One view from the ridge.  I bet if you zoom you could see Mt Shasta too.

Distance: 2 mi round trip or many more.
Difficulty:  Easy to moderate, according to your choice.  I have been comfortable taking an outdoorsy child who can hike at least 1 mile in downhill and then 1 mile out uphill. They would enjoy the lakes.  There may be some tree falls to climb over or go around, and strollers are out of the question. It is an excellent place for backpacking with youngsters.
Driving Directions:  Get onto Highway 20 West from Highway 80 west of Donner.  Turn right onto Bowman Lake Road, cross the South Fork Yuba River and turn right on Grouse Ridge Road (Forest Road 14). It is 6 miles. 

Advisories:  

• The road is dirt and we were happy to note that with a large lumber operation going on, the road is much improved most of the way.  There are wider spots to let lumber trucks get by. 
• Camping and hiking are free, no permit required.  In the fall be sure to check hunting season dates. 
• July 2018 cell service: Just before you enter the campground area, the dirt road turns to the left.  There is a large opening with a small u-shaped drive that some use for overflow camping.  We found that if we pull over there we get 1 bar on AT&T, enough to text and make a call! 
• Much of the year, cows live in the lake s basin. We woke up to gently mooing and cow bells in July.  In August we didn't see any of the cows. The ones who visited were friendly anyway!

One campsite guest at Milk Lake in Grouse Ridge, California, July 2018

Weather: Get a forecast here

This is the link to the forestry website.

July 2018 There were wildflowers in full bloom and large meadows of color to enjoy.  We encountered that rain that wasn't forecast.  Always go prepared for any weather.

Aug 2018  Our three day trip was excellent, as was our trip last month.  We hiked to Carr, Feeley, Island, Round, Long and Penner Lakes.  The weather was in the 70's and the skies were clear!  It was a red flag warning for smoke so we were prepared for less pleasant conditions, but the views were just as far and gorgeous as I have seen!

Round Lake in Grouse Ridge, California, August 2018

For my son's first backpacking trip, we toured
the Grouse Ridge area.  We started out with a warm up hike
to the old lookout, built in 1923.  Surprise!
It is being refurbished to offer as a rental.  In Aug 2018 we saw lights and I would use it. I came home and looked for links to rent it but was not successful.  Here is the link to the forestry website that would have information when it becomes available. Lookout rentals
In good weather, visitors might see all the way to Mt Shasta.
We did!

Grouse Ridge Lookout

To hike to the lookout, walk south up the dirt road that forks
uphill off of the dirt road to the trailhead parking.
There is a closed gate without parking,
so plan snacks and water for a mile or so
uphill along the road, and the return hike down.
Trust me ~ it is worth the extra time and effort!

Wildflowers are blooming in profusion, so get up there soon if you enjoy these seasonal shows!

We had the pleasure of some snow blankets to play on,
although who knows how long they will last.

Mt Shasta is back there if you can zoom, though it is just a blur, you can tell it is the snowy peak.

Views from Grouse Ridge Lookout.

After exploring and taking photos, we headed down
to start our backpacking trip. Near the trailhead,
there are car camping spots that have been greatly improved, and
are well marked with tables, campfire rings, and level tent spots.

Widow maker's truck hikers pass near the start of the trail.  Each trip, I photograph the truck, which used to be red!  Moral of the story:  Do not park under a dead tree! The truck was still there this week, August 2018.

Since my son was out for a first backpacking trip,
and most likely over-packed,
we needed a shorter hike.  Just hiking to Milk Lake
to set camp seemed great, then we could hike
to many other lakes without all the gear.

A view of Milk Lake from the use trail,
breaking off from the main trail at the tree fall.  

We missed this sign.
A tree has fallen that blocks the old trail to Milk Lake.
 July 2018: the trail to the lake is easier
to see. It is apparently well used and heads next to the sign posted in this photo.

Milk Lake from the north hillside.  That little patch of snow is under the trailhead.

Grouse Ridge Trails are well marked as a rule.
We weren't thrilled to keep going
not having seen Milk Lake, but we bravely marched onward.

The trails are mostly shady, and there are enough tree falls to rest here and there.

Round Lake, Grouse Ridge Lakes Basin, California

We set camp near Long Lake, but Round Lake
would be fantastic.  We spent time there swimming
wishing for our fishing poles.

The south side of Long Lake is pretty shallow and marshy,
but the up side is it is warmer water for swimming and we enjoyed it.
We packed up to hike out, but the smoke
we had noticed while swimming seemed thicker.

The wildflowers were still a treat, but you can see the grey
skies moving in.  My throat was scratchy.

On our way in we could see Mt Shasta, and on our way out,
we could hardly see the close mountain ranges.

This map shows Carr-Feeley TH and many of the lakes in the basin.
Print it and take an 8.5" x 11" pocket map to keep with you.

Here are some other trails in Tahoe National Forest:

Tahoe National Forest
2014-07	Loch Levin Lakes	6+ miles	Moderate (kids do it though)
2012-12	Snowshoeing PCT at Donner’s Castle Pass	9.3 mile loop	Strenuous
2012-12	Snowshoe PCT to Flora Lake	3.5 miles	Easy
2014-07	Crooked Lakes Trail at Grouse Ridge	1+ miles with many lakes and options	Easy to Moderate
2011-06	Carr & Feely Lakes Under Snow	5+ miles this trip	Variable
2013-07	Sugar Pine Reservoir	Whatever you choose	Easy
2012-11	Sierra Big Trees and Grouse Falls Overlook	1 mile each location	Easy
2012-09	Pioneer Trail near Spaulding Lake	Up to 25 miles; I did 5.7	Easy to Moderate
2012-10	Sierra Discovery Trail with Bear Creek Falls	½ mile est. interpretive loop & picnic area	Easy
2012-09	Sierra Discovery Trail	.7 mile	Stroller and WC friendly
2012-09	Mosquito Ridge Antique Bridge	3+ miles	Easy - Moderate
2012-08	Azalea & Flora Lakes near Donner	6 miles	Easy
2012-08	North Fork Middle Fork American River Mining Trail	4 miles	Easy - Moderate
2014-05	Grouse Ridge Glacier Lake Trail Milk and Downey Lakes are closest.	.5+ many optional miles to many lakes, all pretty close to each other!	Easy to Moderate Car camping available near the trailhead.

Here is the Table of Contents.  

Thank you for stopping by!  Happy Trails.

update July 16, 2016
Updated July 2018: notes about wildflowers, moving the template to the top, added a weather forecast link, note on Milk Lake trail improvement, cell reception and removed old truck notes.

Loch Leven Lakes in Tahoe National Forest

Loch Leven Lakes are popular hiking and backpacking destinations southwest of Donner Lake, 

warm enough to enjoy swimming, and bring your fishing gear!

This map is to give you an idea of what to expect for the drive to the trailhead.  Parking consists of dirt pull outs.  Enlarge it by clicking on it to view details.  (Sorry, ignore the pink which is for another trailhead).

Difficulty:  Moderate.  Distance is flexible but also farther than beginners usually want to tackle for a day hike.  For backpacking though, you do half that distance each day, and 3 miles is an easier distance.  Be prepared for rocks and tree falls though.  This is an excellent beginner's backpacking trip! My 8 year old grandson said "Grammy, you added a whole new meaning to the word 'hiking'!" on this, his first backpacking trip.
Elevation changes:  Round trip, ascent 1218; descent: 1198, no section is too steep or scary.
Driving Directions:

•      From I-80E take the Yuba Gap Exit.  
•      In .2 mi. turn right onto Lake Valley Road.  It turns slightly left and becomes Crystal Lake Road. 
•      In .2 miles make a slight right toward Lake Valley Road.  Continue for 1 mile.  
•      Make a slight left onto Forest Route 19 and drive for 3 miles. 
•      Continue onto Power Line for .8 miles.  
•      Continue onto Forest Route 19 for .2 miles.  
•      Turn left and drive for 1 mile. 

Note: The TH is after you pass Huysinks, which is visible from the road and looks like a large pond. You will follow the road to the right, going around the lake. 
Much of the drive is on dirt roads.  Conditions are fairly good right now with a few tire ruts, but fully negotiable by car.

This map shows the hiking trail.

The trailhead is on the left side of the road, heads into willows, and is posted with a small wooden sign.  Past the willows, it opens into the large meadow with corn flowers (at about knee-thigh height at this time)  For GPS Tracks check Wikiloc.

The walk through here is easy, on hard packed dirt, without obstacles.  When you pass the meadow, hike into the forest where the trail becomes hilly.  

Nothing too steep.  In the woods the trail leads through a beautiful, lush, cooler patch of ferns.

The trail will open into a rocky area, and you will climb a rocky, boulder section, winding your way upward. It sometimes looks like a creek bed.  Good shoes help grip the rocks and protect your ankles from twists. Kids do a lot better in good shoes as well.  I like using hiking poles for balance while moving from rock to rock.

An unnamed pond will be on your left, where we did encounter enough mosquitoes to spray ourselves with bug spray for relief from the biting pests.

From the trail, you can look down into the Salmon Lake bowl.  Since fewer people 
camp here, it is an excellent choice for a more secluded 
camping experience.  It can also be a resting place for your hiking break.

Keep traveling eastward.  There are cairns, tree blazes, rows of rocks placed by the forestry to line the trail on both sides across open granite areas, and, at "use paths" that might lead hikers astray, there are dead wood branches or rocks placed across them to help you recognize the designated trails.  Do not follow cairns exclusively because they can be placed by anyone to any random destination, although in general, when you think you lost the trail they can alert you to it.  Keep looking for additional markers and clues..  My 8 year old grandson was able to choose the correct route on almost every occasion using markers and signs.

High Loch Leven seems to appear out of nowhere!  My grandson wanted to drop everything and get out the fishing pole.  This first lake is large and has numerous campsites around it.  My preference is to avoid camping right beside a trail, which describes many of the sites available.  We traveled on to the sometimes less busy, Middle Loch Leven Lake.

Although we were able to camp off of the trail in this perfect campsite, there were groups 
of people hiking and swimming around the lake. Everyone was quiet by nightfall.

The next day a LARGE group of backpackers traveled through.  If you are traveling with a group like this, it is a good idea to break up into smaller groups to decrease your noise impact. Large groups are bound to be having fun, talking over one another, and perhaps getting a bit boisterous.  Keep in mind we affect the habitats of the wildlife with our visits too, so take the opportunity to enjoy wildlife in their home.

Once our base camp was set up,

we had time to explore the area. My grandson had time to try out his slingshot, try various fishing holes, explore, play in the water, and relax.

 We found plenty of wildflowers along the way, too.  Brightly colored birds hung around while we fished.  Watch for rattlesnakes, but we didn't see any.

***Use bear bags or canisters for your safety and for securing your food supply.  Also, rodents got into some of our supplies while we were out exploring, so don't leave your camp unsecured.

This is Middle Loch Leven Lake at sunrise.  

Tahoe National Forest Loch Leven Lakes information link

which includes directions for another parking and hiking route.

Get your permit here: Fire permits

Links for other hikes in the area:

Tahoe Rim Trail Part 2
·         Grouse Lakes Basin Trails near Lake Tahoe	Up to 7.5	Easy to Strenuous
·         Grouse Ridge Campground and Trail Head	You choose	Moderate to Strenuous
·         Loch Leven Lakes, Salmon Lake	7.2	Strenuous
·         Old Donner Pass to Azalea Lake Loop ~ Family Friendly	6	Moderate
·    Tahoe Rim Trail Part 1      Tahoe Rim Trail Part 2
·         Sierra Discovery Trail	.7	Easy
·         Pioneer Trail

Hikes and Articles By Titles
Trails by Locations

Happy Trails!  

2018 Crooked Lakes Trail at Grouse Ridge CA

This was my grandson's second backpacking trip to this area.

Crooked Lakes Trail offers trail use for hikers, backpackers, equestrians, mountain cyclists, fishermen, seasonal hunters, and has excellent opportunities for outdoors activities for youngsters.

July 2018 update:  The weather was variable, warm, cold and windy, and rained most of one day.  Check for weather forecasts and go there prepared for unexpected changes that are common in this area.  On this trip there were no pesky flies at any of the many lakes we visited as were noted below.  Mosquitoes were there but not a high number. There were no more of the biting orange beetles mentioned in the article either, thank goodness. The trail to Milk Lake is more adequately marked than on our last trip, and for my 9 year old grandson's first backpacking trip, we camped there. Expect to see some kids as I do on every hike there, making a great family destination.
The forestry link is here.  

Distance: can be as little as one mile and can go for many miles over many days.
Difficulty:  Easy to difficult, according to your choice.  I would be comfortable taking an outdoorsy child who can hike at least 1/2 mile in and then out. They would enjoy the lakes. It really is not too steep for any length of time.  There were some tree falls to climb over or go around, and strollers are out of the question. We always meet people with kids here and it is an excellent place for backpacking with youngsters.
Weather: For forecasts click here.
Driving Directions:  Get onto Highway 20 West from Highway 80 west of Donner.  Turn right onto Bowman Lake Road, cross the South Fork Yuba River and keep going until you see the sign for Grouse Ridge.  Turn right on the forest road NF-17 which turns to a dirt and gravel road immediately.  When there are offshoots, just follow the road to the right.  It gets quite tricky just before you reach the parking.  There is a parking circle carved out on your right just before the original shaded parking area at the trailheads that will just extend your hike a little bit.  I drove my car successfully in.  The top parking is nice and shady.  
Note:  There are fees to pay at the trail head for using the backpackers campground facilities, but not if you backpack beyond it and camp near other lakes.  There are a countless number of sites throughout the area, but no restrooms beyond Carr-Feeley.  Fire permits are required, although there are currently fire restrictions, so check the Tahoe National Forest link provided at the end of this article before your trip.  Get your permit here: Fire permits

For a pocket map of the area, Right click on the image, Save image as....name it, and choose the location to keep it on your device.  Now you can print it as an 8 1/2" by 11" guide to take along. With all the lakes and trails at this location, it can come in handy.

This time, we arrived during a small heat wave! There were many day hikers and a few backpackers. Our camp site was along the west shore of Island Lake with good water access.  We didn't use our tent's rainfly, and sleeping bags weren't really necessary since the nights were very warm.

We discovered numerous sites along all but a few small unnamed lakes.

This campsite on the north side of the unnamed lake west of Island Lake has some nice flat tent sites nearby, is far enough from the lake, but clearly has a hazardous fire ring setup.  We chose a sunny site thinking it would be nice not to wait for morning dew to dry before packing up camp, but in this hot weather, shade like this might have been best.

There are trout and catfish in Island Lake and some surrounding lakes, although we didn't see anything large.  Only a few fish were observed feeding at sunset.

The local views of the lakes were satisfying at the end of our active days.  

There were some orange beetles (not ladybugs) voraciously biting our lower legs and feet, leaving itchy red bumps to remain for days.  Mosquitoes stayed until breezes kicked in, but the worst offenders were large black flies buzzing around our heads tapping our hair frequently, and I mean persistently.  Hikers we met reported them at other lakes they visited on this journey.  Breezes affected only the mosquito activities.

Our trip was enjoyable with weather perfect for swimming, fishing, and bonuses of viewing two eagles doing their own fishing.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT for Tahoe National Forest.  Get your permit here: Fire permits to use backpacker stoves and check any new restrictions.

For more tidbits of helpful information from previous trips in various weather conditions check out these posts:

Carr Feeley Trailhead and Backpackers Camp will give you more information about the area and another map of trails northwest of the Grouse Ridge. From there you use the Twin Lakes Trail or Round Lake Trail.
Crooked Lakes Trail Survivor Night describes an unexpected storm, hiking hazards and solutions. A true account with a happy ending.

Happy Trails!

July 2014

Lyons Creek Trail to Lake Sylvia-June 2014

WILDFLOWERS ARE BLOOMING 

more profusely than I have ever seen along Lyons Creek!

EVERYWHERE, IN EVERY COLOR, ALL AT ONCE!  

Lake Sylvia, Desolation Wilderness, June 2014

Distance:  12+ miles round trip, upward, some loose rocky sections.

Difficulty:  At 12 miles I would rate any hike difficult, but aside from length, there are several creek crossings (one could be ankle deep).  A plus is the elevation gain is accomplished going in, and coming out is downhill!

Elevation gain:   + 1875 feet up and -1875 back down.
Notes: Day passes are available at the trail head. There is parking, but no restrooms are available. You could drive up to the Bloodsucker Lake parking, or stop before you get off of Highway 50. For backpacking, see the notes near the end of this page.  More notes at the end of the article.

Photos of the trail and views  are arranged chronologically.  Click on one and you can see them enlarged.  Another great website, with photos posted by me and others, is Desolation Wilderness Volunteers.  It also includes a wealth of information if you plan on visiting.

Walk along a barely used roadway for  forestry related activities.  In a short distance though it becomes trail, first leading you through an large open meadow.

Take one of the use paths to your left when you hear the water, and at some of those locations you can refill your water or maybe splash to cool off.

The following photos will take you through to the lake.

Enter the woods on a hard packed soil trail.

I get excited when I reach this point, feeling closer to my destination.  Pyramid Peak is 

some hikers' goal.  The lake is in the bowl beneath the peak though, so you 

won't have to climb it unless you are prepared to do so.  That is another story.

This open area has corn lilies about hip high, not yet in bloom, intermingled with wildflowers.

The creek crossings are usually shallow.  Step across the rocks and head into the woods again.

The view to the south side.  

As you get closer to the lake, the trail is composed of loose rocks.  If you are prone to twisting an ankle, mid boots will help prevent injury.  I have seen people hiking out here in flip flops!

Although this is not the crossing, it is the last creek you will cross to get to Lake Sylvia.  I included this shot so you can get an idea of the creek depth at this time.

We have arrived!  Bring your fishing pole if you have one.  There were a handful  of fishermen along the west shore and I could see fish swimming along the south side where I had lunch.  Please note that this lake is a sensitive area with recent restoration work done.  Please respect the effort.  These signs will show you the areas to avoid:

Vicariously, enjoy blooms in Desolation this June and July

without driving up and hiking by viewing the photos below:

and more can be found at  Desolation Wilderness Volunteers website under the media heading.
Driving Directions:

• Take Wrights Lake Road north off of Highway 50 at Kyburz. 
• Follow the signs to Lyons Creek Trailhead. (No restroom here) If you reach the Bloodsucker Lake parking, you have gone too far.  

Fees:  

•  Day use fees: none; permits available at trailheads seasonally.   

• Backpacking: $5.00 for the first night, and $10.00 for 2-12 nights.  Children 12 and younger are free.  

To obtain passes or for assistance in trip planning:

• You can make online reservations at Desolation Wilderness Permits  for a small reservation fee, 

• or visit Pacific Ranger Station Fresh Pond, 7887 Highway 50, Pollock Pines, CA or call (530) 647-5415 .  
• If you are from the Tahoe side, check with Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit at (530) 543-2600. 

Other regulations and restrictions can be found on the website, too.

 I highly recommend you bring water and some snacks or lunch. No fires are permitted in the wilderness. Have your fire permit to use your stoves and lanterns. 
Get your permit here: Fire permits
 Please Leave No Trace and enjoy your trip!

Happy 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