I camped down the road at Fish Lake Campground area so that I could get an earlier start. There were cars lined along the road for some ways before arriving at the Cathedral Rock TH parking lot at 8:30 am. These are almost all backpackers, so its worth a try to see if there are spots in the lot before parking along the road (there were a few spots closer open in the lot). Toilet was clean and had ample TP.
The first little water crossing right outside the parking area is running higher than last time I was here, but still able to get over in trail runners with dry feet. Trail is in good shape up to Squaw Lake, where I stopped for a break. Lots of people camping up there, most on their way out I suppose because it was quiet on the way back down. Berries are pretty much done at this elevation.
After Squaw Lake, the trail climbs gradually to the pass. The pass was covered in red from the blueberry leaves, but the berries were peak ripeness. It was hard to keep pace when I just wanted to stop and snack. I stopped at the pass junction with the PCT for a break and decided to continue on the PCT to the Peggy's Pond junction.
On the map, Peggy's Pond is a short 0.7 mile trail skirting Cathedral Rock. In practice, its a sketchy traverse across rock and roots. No room for passing so pay attention to see if anyone is coming towards you. Very pretty views, but had to keep my eyes down unless I stopped. There is a lost hiking pole stuck in a pile of rocks at a split in the trail, I took a right up the hill here. It gets steep once you're back in the forest, but its short. The lake is a deep teal blue and beautifully reflects the fall foliage. Spent some time wandering the trails before heading back.
There were two hikers ahead of me, and I passed one other person, and that was it for the remainder of the hike. When I got back to the parking area a bit after 4 pm, there was a Sawyer water filter attached to a smart water bottle left on the picnic table, may still be there. The lot had depleted substantially, and shout out to the women ahead of me who offered to fill my water bottles, knowing the drive out was long. I didn't need it, but it was an awesome gesture.
Comments
John Morrow on Nosh Nosh Wahtum, Cathedral Rock, Peggy's Pond
The baby hemlocks pic is sweet. Great perspective too oft overlooked!
Posted by:
John Morrow on Oct 06, 2020 11:16 AM