Above: Carr-Feeley Trailhead reachable only via a two to three mile four wheel drive dusty bumpy road. It's worth it, but I would only drive it with a four wheel vehicle with decent clearance. Once you get to the trailhead, parking is tight along the side of the this four wheel road.
For this hike, we explored an area I hadn't been to before (although I'd heard some great things about it from others). I went with the hiking group, who are such welcoming people and fun hikers, and we set off from Carr Lake at the Carr Feeley Trailhead. It was a beautiful day, and I was thankful to have the opportunity to hike with friends in such a stunning area.
The trailhead pops you out on a spit of land between Carr Lake and Feeley Lake, and as I started out on the hike, I realized that it's not for naught that people call this area the "land o' the lakes o' the west." It's possible to pass by seven lakes and see fifteen lakes, all beautiful, all alpine, and all within a ten mile hike along this trail.
Since I'm a sucker for a beautiful alpine lake, I was very impressed with the whole area's access to these wonderful waters. :)
Below: Me on the shores of one of the many lakes along the trail. See I'm wearing my trusty REI Stoke 19 and using my Leki poles? I use them ALL the time; they're great. Couldn't hike without them. (Well, I could, but it wouldn't be so easy and efficient.)
For this hike, we explored an area I hadn't been to before (although I'd heard some great things about it from others). I went with the hiking group, who are such welcoming people and fun hikers, and we set off from Carr Lake at the Carr Feeley Trailhead. It was a beautiful day, and I was thankful to have the opportunity to hike with friends in such a stunning area.
The trailhead pops you out on a spit of land between Carr Lake and Feeley Lake, and as I started out on the hike, I realized that it's not for naught that people call this area the "land o' the lakes o' the west." It's possible to pass by seven lakes and see fifteen lakes, all beautiful, all alpine, and all within a ten mile hike along this trail.
Since I'm a sucker for a beautiful alpine lake, I was very impressed with the whole area's access to these wonderful waters. :)
Below: Island Lake. The third lake after only a few miles on the trail. People camp along its shores (and on the island itself), and it's a stunning lake. Worth a visit.
Below: Me on the shores of one of the many lakes along the trail. See I'm wearing my trusty REI Stoke 19 and using my Leki poles? I use them ALL the time; they're great. Couldn't hike without them. (Well, I could, but it wouldn't be so easy and efficient.)
Below: Feeley Lake--the second lake on the trail. We landed at Carr Lake, which was itself beautiful, and then very quickly, the trail takes you past this little stunner of an alpine water-hole. Very nice.
Below: Mapping the route, of course. It's always good to have a decent map with you. I used the National Geographic series for this area. Trails are typically easily found and followed, but there were a few spurs that could throw you off track if you're not careful. Even withe well signed trails, however, it's still helpful, I think, to have a decent trail map and compass (and map and compass skills) with which to supplement GPS and signs.
Below: the famous Grouse Ridge outhouse outlook. You can sit here in here for pictures. :)
The outhouse is at the very top of Grouse Ridge, which is reachable two ways--either via a tallus field, which is tricky but fun, or up the Forest Service dirt road, which is easy, but not so interesting. You can reach either routes from the top of Grouse Ridge, which itself is accessible via trail (from Carr Lake) or by car from 20.
Below: Mapping the route, of course. It's always good to have a decent map with you. I used the National Geographic series for this area. Trails are typically easily found and followed, but there were a few spurs that could throw you off track if you're not careful. Even withe well signed trails, however, it's still helpful, I think, to have a decent trail map and compass (and map and compass skills) with which to supplement GPS and signs. 
Below: the famous Grouse Ridge outhouse outlook. You can sit here in here for pictures. :)
The outhouse is at the very top of Grouse Ridge, which is reachable two ways--either via a tallus field, which is tricky but fun, or up the Forest Service dirt road, which is easy, but not so interesting. You can reach either routes from the top of Grouse Ridge, which itself is accessible via trail (from Carr Lake) or by car from 20.
Below: Next to the outhouse are remarkable views of the area around, including on a clear day, Lassen and the Sierra Buttes.This pic is taken looking away from the monitoring station an and behind us is a view that goes on forever.
The outhouse is situated on the ridge next to the Forest Service monitoring station (monitoring the weather? fire outbreaks?) The monitoring station has a wrap-around porch, which is nice to sit on for lunch. The wind was pretty significant on the ridge, and the station offered some shelter and some shade for lunchers, along with a pretty magnificent view.
Trail Stats:
- Access: 80 to 20 to Bowman Lake Road to Carr Lake Trailhead. About two hours from home.
- Trail: mostly packed dirt--easier trail to hike on. Not too much elevation although the hike up to the Ridge is the steepest part (+1000 feet), but the steep part isn't too long and it's not that steep. A relatively easy hike overall.
- Weather: stunning--blue sky, sun, some breezes. Mid 80s overall. Windy on the ridge, but not cool enough for a jacket.
- Distance: 8.3 miles, including some wrong ways and accidental explores down some spurs (to Milk Lake, for example).
- Elevation: Carr Lake: 6703 ft; Grouse Ridge: 7550 ft. Total elevation gain (modest): <1000>
Further notes:
- Take your camera; I forgot mine, and while it was liberating in some ways not to be tied to a camera, I'd rather have one with me to record the hike. These pics are from a colleague in the group.
- Take your map and compass. It's best to be prepared.
- No permits necessary.
- You can also park at the top of Grouse Ridge and do the hike in reverse, which would be equally beautiful and possibly easier (road-wise) on your car.
- It's a popular trail, so be prepared to meet others on your hike. A good hike to do solo, however, since others would be around to witness any demise. :) Not a hike, however, for people who want to feel isolated (unless you go possibly on a weekday?)
- As always, take water with you; there are pit bathrooms, but I didn't see/notice any faucets.
- The lakes belong to PG&E which cares for and maintains the lakes. You make camping reservations, I think, however, via the Tahoe National Forest.
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