Backpacking Weaver Lake

April 08, 2014

Backpacking Weaver Lake

Sierra Nevada mountain range in the eastern side of California, which stretches from the Tehachapi of eastern Kern County all the way north to Fredonyer Pass in Lassen County. A magnificent, divinely beautiful God given wilderness land for all to explore and see. Explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo named it the Sierra Nevada, simply means "snowy range". An awe inspiring mountain range, rising from 11,000 to 14,000 feet high. The area compose of 3 National Parks, the Yosemite, the Sequoia's, and the Kings Canyon, 9 national forests, and it's also home to the largest alpine lake in North America, the beautiful Lake Tahoe, and countless small alpine lakes that dotted it's landscape. Huge swat of land more than 400 miles from north to south, more than 70 miles across from east to west. Home to the majestic largest tree in the world, the General Sherman (sequoia sempervirens), and the highest mountain in the 48 contagious United States, the forever icy Mount Whitney. Sierra Nevada is truly an adventure land that has so much to offer, exploring, hiking, skiing, water sports, camping, and other outdoor activities. John Muir the famous American naturalist who have explored the mountain range extensively said this in one of his writing, "Keep close to Nature's heart.... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean."

Weaver Lake, is a small alpine lake located near the Shell mountain, bordering the King's Canyon National Park. A uphill and winding drive on Highway 198 leads us to the Big Meadow area, where the trail head start. Big Meadow area had a good large parking area maintained by the US Forest Service. From the Big Meadow trailhead will be an uphill four miles hike to the lake, there are small waterfalls and streams along the way, so water shouldn't be a problem. You can bring an optional bear spray for protection although I have not spotted a black bear during our backpacking trip. The trail for the most part is in good condition although its a steep climb and for an old man like me I have to stop once in awhile to rest my aching legs. During this trip I was with the BSA Troop 125, the boy's have so much energy and enthusiasm that it's hard to go head to head with them, since I'm one of the adult leaders on this backpacking team, so I have to show to the vigorous boys that I'm as capable as anyone.

The beautiful scenery, the forests, and streams is like a therapeutic medicine, that makes ones mind to be inspired and have keep me going for the rest of the way. The hike in itself have a beautiful view of eastern Sierra Nevada, the towering Mount Whitney, and the magnificent forest of the Sequoias. Reaching the alpine lake is a rigorous hike, but once you see this hidden beauty all the aches pains vanished in thin air. The water is very crystal clear, you could actually see the trout and other fishes roaming around the water. The water temperature is very cold and it's sweet to the taste, speaking of spring water, this is alpine pure water on its source. The Shell mountain in the background is another 2 miles hike to the top, the reward is a 360 degrees view of the sierras, the San Joaquin Valley on the west, and the Mojave desert in the east. Alpine trees dominate the flora, berry's and other native shrubs along the meadows, blooming in colors. Animals abound, I see coyotes, dears, chipmunks, and other species. With the exception of the coyotes, I did not witness a mountain lion or a black bears, even though this is there biomes. High wind is non existent when we were on the lake, though crisp cool airs soothes my soul, and the beautiful blue clear skies dominate the skyline and the silent solitude welcomes me like I am in the twilight zone, so serene, and so beautiful. At night you could almost touch the stars, I could hear the howling of the coyotes down below the mountain. As much I have enjoyed the place during the daytime, I also enjoyed the solitude at night, it permeates me into my deepest self, and next thing I know, I am in a deep meditation with God, thanking Him for the splendor of His creations.