The high country

Just thinking about the high country and where I might want to go this year. I had all these pics and it was before I learned youtube so I figured Id put this little slideshow together, may as well share with yall. Anyone got plans to hike this summer?

I don't have plans for hiking so much,  but there is a walk in only Pit/McCloud, nearly virgin reservoir that I've been wanting to drag my kayak into for about 10 years. I found it via Google earth. My first visit yielded my biggest brown. And the bass fishery is un-muddied from spots. I've seen huge largemouth in there. Very limited fishing access from shore/dam, and water fluctuates drastically.  Walk in is a short mile and a quarter,  but brutal both ways. I bet the trek with kayak, tackle and a couple days' gear would take all of 2 hours in and 3 out.

I'd rather get a couple Mules and pack the yak in. I have done one of those deals on horse back. I could never hike it.

Man grimkeeper that sounds like a fun little adventure! Let me know if you want company when you decide to do it.  Ive hiked the yak into a couple different lakes, 5miles being the furthest, it sure is fun!

Seaweed- There was a pack station right at the trailhead, We hiked for two days up and over the summit only to arrive at basecamp to find two guys kicking back on lounge chairs driking a cocktail with ice. I was a bit envious. Though I caught the biggest fish at star and puppet lake, probably due to the fact that the mules could not get up there.

You know I am down for any hike in trips.  I'll be going to Kirman next month, which is not much of a hike at all, but I do plan to go on my bicycle for once.  Maybe we could head up to Desolation for some goldens.

I'm planing a trip to levit this year.

sounds fun!

Been wanting to go to Levit.  Any ideas when?  And would you mind company?

Been wanting to go to Levit.  Any ideas when?  And would you mind company?

Company is definitely welcome. Most likely mid July.

Excellent work on the slideshow, Kevin. Looks like it was a fun hike into the Muir wilderness. That brought back some good memories, thanks! I don't have any backpacking trips planned right now...but that was inspiring enough to get the juices flowing. Now I'm thinking about where to go and when.
Leavitt on the other hand, much easier to get to...you can drive right up to the lake then hike to Ski and catch dozens of golden trout, but they aren't pure. That was the first place I ever took my wife camping (my GF at the time, 14yrs ago).

Excellent work on the slideshow, Kevin. Looks like it was a fun hike into the Muir wilderness. That brought back some good memories, thanks! I don't have any backpacking trips planned right now...but that was inspiring enough to get the juices flowing. Now I'm thinking about where to go and when.
Leavitt on the other hand, much easier to get to...you can drive right up to the lake then hike to Ski and catch dozens of golden trout, but they aren't pure. That was the first place I ever took my wife camping (my GF at the time, 14yrs ago).

not pure? Are they hybrids or just really immoral?

man, that would be an adventure.  can't imagine portaging a boat in 5 miles in that kind of terrain, no matter how good wheeleez is.     like something out of ranger selection lol

Most "golden trout" in CA are hybrids (or, at least, have hybridization in their bloodlines). I believe Kevin was fishing an area that has Volcano Ck goldens, which are pretty pure. Maybe near Cottonwood lakes or Long lake because I can see a few distinguishing peaks in the background. It is absolutely gorgeous down there. 

Here's a cool document from the DFG: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5410679.pdf
This site has some great info too: http://stevenojai.tripod.com/goldtrout.htm 

Been wanting to go to Levit.  Any ideas when?  And would you mind company?

Company is definitely welcome. Most likely mid July.

Perfect, I get back from my 3 week vacation on July 5th.  I read that you can drive into Levit.  Is that your plan?

thats where I pack in a float tube