We did a 1 night backpacking trip out & back at Tank Lakes (party of 2, with our dog). This was quite a difficult 1-nighter, if we had the time, we would have liked to do 2 nights with base camp at Tank and exploring around/relaxing for a full day before the big descent, or breaking it up as Jade/Tank.
Road to trailhead is easy peesy. Parking lot was full when we arrived at 10:30am on a Friday. Pit toilet at TH was clean and well stocked with toilet paper.
The first 5.5 miles were smooth, rolling, lush green forest vibes. A handful of riverside campsites along the way. Quite lovely trail. Then you reach this big log - cross this, bear right and follow a dirt path that will take you straight up a boulder field. This is where the 4000' of climbing really begins and doesn't really ever stop for very long. (note: midway between here and Jade is another good water spot for filtering water, I clocked this at 7 miles from the TH). Jade Lake is very pretty, for sure 3 campsites here. We stopped here to filter water one last time before the final stretch.
Emerald Lake is soon after- denoted by a historic cabin- then Opal Lake after that. We didn’t stop at these lakes as our goal was set for arriving at Tank Lakes by sunset - we made it just in time to catch the last remnants of the sunset colors - gorgeous and felt totally worth it. This last mile between Opal and Tank is quite rocky and steep - you can follow the ridgeline (this is the AllTrails route) the entire way, or bear right along a dirt path that may be slightly easier.
We set up camp in the dark and enjoyed dinner under a gorgeous blanket of stars. There were only 4 other groups camped out here and we were all spread out so it never felt crowded.
The following morning we woke up to smoke in the air and hazy skies from nearby waterfalls, therefore minimal views of the surrounding peaks. The descent was WORSE than the ascent- hiking down the steep loose rock is always so difficult and unnerving with a heavy pack, plus we were still tired from the day before. Trekking poles will be your best friend.
My Garmin watch GPS stats, one-way from TH to Tank: 11.5 miles, 8ish hours of elapsed time, slightly faster on the way down
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