Fine Day in Desolation Wilderness

Just two and a half hours drive from Vallejo, I found myself at Wrights Lake, starting a hike that I will not soon forget. Thanks to my guide book, "100 Classic Hikes in Northern California" I found hike 8 on page 28, to Grouse, Hemlock and Smith Lakes. This amazing hike is just 2.8 miles to the end at Smith Lake, but at the destination, you will find yourself completely removed from everything. It is such a remote feeling and inspiring, beautiful place. My hike was on a Thursday, and I was the only person at Smith Lake, where I lingered for an hour or so, without interruption.



Between Kyburz and Strawberry on Highway 50, Wrights Rd travels North for about 8 miles. Follow the signs to Twin Lakes trail head. Fill out a tag to let the rangers know who is on the trail, and off you go. There is no part of this trail that is not photo worthy. I filled my memory card with pictures, because I couldn't stop taking pictures. I've chosen the best for sharing.

The trail is well signposted, and most of it is sheltered by trees. Where the trail passes over granite, look for cairns. The guide book calls them rock ducks, but I've never heard that term before. The wonderful thing about this hike is that there is always a gorgeous view. If you bring a camera, bring plenty of film/memory.

Grouse Lake, which is as beautiful a lake as I have ever seen, is just 2 miles in. You could stop here and make a day of it exploring around the shores, swimming, and snoozing in the sun. I had lunch here, and took plenty of pictures. There were two other groups of people here at the time, but they didn't go further, so the rest of the time I was on my own.

The guide book says to look over your shoulder at 2.2 miles, and you can see a view back to Wrights Lake. Then Hemlock Lake is at 2.4 miles. This is a small lake, and compared to Grouse Lake, it seemed very small. But the rocky hillsides around it are amazing. Just after passing Hemlock Lake, you're still alongside it in fact, there is the most serene little meadow. I took several photos of it.

Then you scale a rocky mountainside up to Smith Lake. I had it all to myself, and I lingered for over an hour. First I explored around the rock wall that I assume is a dam. The water level wasn't up to it, and I'd like to see it in the Spring. I'll bet there are plenty of wildflowers early in the season, because I saw many here in late Summer. Then I explored up around the tree line on the Northwest side. The book says that there are views to the North, but the views are actually to the West. Smith Lake is surrounded by mountains to the North, East and South. If I had more time, I would love to have hiked to the top of this rim to see the views beyond. But I left that for another time. As I was exploring the South shore, I noticed beautifully colored fish in the water. I took some poor pictures, but noted the orange fins with a black stripe, and white on the leading edge. This identifies them as brook trout. It is very hard to find a good picture of one, most show them after they've been caught by anglers, and they look much happier in the water. These were very small, maybe five inches.

On this hike, I saw chipmunks, blue jays, robins, woodpeckers, brook trout and a marmot. Though this is bear country, I didn't see any bears or signs of them. I kept my eye out for Mountain Lions, too, but didn't see any.

This is a beautiful area, and there is so much reward for hiking such a short distance. There are also many other hikes in the area to explore, and I know I'll be back.