Sylvan Lake’s golden population is so pure that the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks regularly uses the eggs laid by goldens at Sylvan Lake for stocking other lakes in Montana. 8/31/2016 3:29:29 PM. The trail leaves from right next to the toilets, and is very easy to follow. After all, to get to where golden trout live, a long arduous journey is often required. After passing a large open field (possibly a marsh, depending on weather and time of year), the trail hits a steep section before leveling off for the final approach to the lake. © 2021 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. The trail head is equipped with adequate parking. Upper Portal Creek Trailhead Elevation: 8058 feet Golden Trout Lakes Elevation: 9075 feet Total Elevation Gain : 1300 ft USGS Map: Hidden Lake, Lone Indian Peak _____ Follow Cottonwood Pass Trail to a junction at the pass with Pacific Crest Trail. The latitude and longitude coordinates of Upper Golden Trout Lake are 37.2417518, -118.7160568 and the approximate elevation is 10,836 feet (3,303 meters) above sea level. Most of the same techniques used for fishing for trout at lower elevation lakes will work for fishing for Golden Trout. The latitude and longitude coordinates of Upper Golden Trout Lake are 37.2417518, -118.7160568 and the approximate elevation is 10,836 feet (3,303 meters) above sea level. With just 1,330 feet of elevation gain en route to the lake, this is a desirable destination for day-hikers and a good first camp for backpackers. The road is in rough condition and is better suited for vehicles with a higher clearance. About 1/4 mile further, 2 miles from the trailhead, is Golden Trout Lake #2, the largest of the four lakes. Please explore responsibly! County: Grays Harbor Acreage: 1002.70 ac. The South Fork Kern River is a designated Wild Trout Water. Overview Average “6- 12.” World Record: 11.25 lb, 28” golden landed in Wyoming in 1948. The Golden Trout lakes offer a scenic getaway just out of the Gallatin Valley Canyon. adventures and follow local regulations. Golden Trout Lake is a lake in Idaho and has an elevation of 8153 feet. Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune Biologists with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources stocked Echo Lake with approximately 4,800 golden trout Tuesday July 2, 2013 in the Uinta Mountains. With dayhikes, we'll cover about forty miles. To access the trail head, turn east onto Portal Creek Road #984 and continue southeast for 6.8 miles. 9.5 miles from the confluence of Evolution Creek and SF San Joaquin. Starting from Onion Valley, Golden Trout Lakes Trail ends at Golden Trout Lakes, in the John Muir Wilderness. There are also campspots with fire pits if you want to make it an overnight. The Hike The trail to Lower Golden Trout Lake starts in a forested area and works it's way westward and uphill for the first 1.4 miles. The lookout provides a panorami... Overview Average Size of Golden Trout. Fly-fishing for golden trout is a time-consuming, obsession-creating adventure of a time. The current cabin, a former guard station, was ... Overview Some hikes are harder than others - the trek to Lightning Lake (one of the most popular destinations for goldens) is notoriously ridiculous. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/golden-trout-lake-loop Follow this road for about 3.5 miles until the road ends. Few camp spots around the lake. The final challenge is getting them to eat. The distance to the lakes is approximately 2.2 miles, and the elevation gain is approximately 2,200 feet. Oncorhynchus aquabonita Also called Volcano Creek, Little Kern, Mountain or Roosevelt trout. Raymond Lake is somewhat of a hidden gem, because it doesn't appear in many (if any) of the Sierra Nevada hiking books. The South Fork Kern River is a designated Wild Trout Water. The lake itself is not that large, but plenty of Golden Trout cruise near the shores and the gothic spires of Raymond Peak offer superb background scenery. At a Glance The trail begins to gain noticeable elevation as it continues. The Golden Trout lakes offer a scenic getaway just out of the Gallatin Valley Canyon. Generally you can’t just do a quick day trip for these ornate fish. Common Destinations: Cottonwood Pass, Chicken Spring Lake, John Muir Trail As a boy, fishing the South Fork Kern River in 1913, he reported catching California golden trout in the "gorge" just upstream of the Bloomfield Ranch, near the southern boundary of the Domeland Wilderness. Steve is in the lead as we head into the high country of the eastern Sierra. All waters on the Kern Plateau are open to angling, although many are accessible only by trail since both watersheds are largely encompassed within the Golden Trout … This mountain lake is 0.6 miles from Cottonwood Pass, making it an easy 8.2-mile round trip hike from Horseshoe Meadow. Turn right and continue through a rocky forest of Foxtail … Upper Portal Creek Trailhead Elevation: 8058 feet Golden Trout Lakes Elevation: 9075 feet Total Elevation Gain : 1300 ft USGS Map: Hidden Lake, Lone Indian Peak _____ It is 303,511 acres (1,228.3 km 2) in size and was created by the US Congress in 1978 as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The trail starts off easy and winds past a few small ponds before reaching the cutoff to Hidden Lakes Trail (approx. It is very small and offers only basic amenities. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is BISHOP AP which is approximately 22 miles away and has an elevation of 4,102 feet (6,689 feet lower than Lower Golden Trout Lake). Finally, it’s a short ascent to Piute Pass at 11,423 feet. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. The 6 mile round trip to Lava Lake is a steady climb that runs beside Cascade Creek through the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Day 1: Piute Pass Trailhead to Upper Golden Trout Lake. Download area map for trail names It is 303,511 acres (1,228.3 km 2) in size and was created by the US Congress in 1978 as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Elevation: 803 ft. Center: 47.406595, -123.585802 Open in Google Maps Historical Weather. This lake holds Brookies. First stocked in 1938, the golden trout at Sylvan Lake are well known in Montana for their genetic purity. Golden trout are native only to the Upper Kern River basin in … The South Fork Feather River in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is a camping gem where you are sure to strike gold. About half way up to Piute Pass you reach Loch Leven, a beautiful lake at 10,743 feet. Light leaders (usually 4 pound test or less) and a stalking approach are needed as the fish can see out of the lakes extremely well. Isaac’s trout measured 14-7/8 inches and weighed 1 pound, 2.88 ounces, a lunker by golden trout standards. Contains Goldens 7-10 inches. After a series of gorgeous waterfalls and water features, you climb up to Piute Lake at 10,958 feet. Taking the trail fork to the southwest are Golden Trout Lakes #3 and #4 (11,374' elevation). Golden trout rarely live below 9,000 feet and there aren't many roads that high. Once you get to the beginning of the trail, the hike is a nice little workout until you reach the final location of Golden Trout … The distance to the lakes is approximately 2.2 miles, and the elevation gain is approximately 2,200 feet. Eagle Head Mountain borders the lake to the south and provides a nice backdrop to this beautiful scene. The Golden Trout Campground might be a good place to start this search. The Golden Trout lakes offer a scenic getaway just out of the Gallatin Valley Canyon. To access the trail head, turn east onto Portal Creek Road #984 and continue southeast for 6.8 miles. About the Eastern Sierra Golden Trout Other Names for Golden Trout. In looping around the lake, many fish were noted rising to the surface; however, none were caught. Continue left for the Golden Trout Lakes. Taking the trail fork to the southwest are Golden Trout Lakes #3 and #4 (11,374' elevation). If you have visited Upper Golden Trout Lake before, please tell us about it with a comment below. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! Fairly mellow and peaceful hike. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. All waters on the Kern Plateau are open to angling, although many are accessible only by trail since both watersheds are largely encompassed within the Golden Trout … Pass over the log bridge or rock hop, and proceed on the flat trail skirting a meadow that holds Cottonwood Creek. DWR biologists then stocked Echo Lake with approximately 4,800 golden trout Tuesday July 2, 2013 in the Uinta Mountains. Golden trout fishing requires gaining altitude to where the scenery and trek can take your breath away. North Lake is located outside of Bishop in the Lake Sabrina area. To access the trail head, turn east onto Portal Creek Road #984 and continue southeast for 6.8 miles. The first lake is #1 (11,264' elevation) which is the only lake known to hold some Golden Trout. After a mile there is reliable water in the form of a creek. Golden Trout Lake is a lake in Idaho and has an elevation of 8153 feet. Golden trout rarely live below 9,000 feet and there aren't many roads that high. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Fox Creek Cabin is a former ranger station located in a remote area. Golden Trout Lake from Mapcarta, the free map. Rough roads to the Golden Trout Lakes It was difficult driving up the road to get to the beginning of the trail, so I recommend a vehicle that can handle the rough road; preferably a truck or AWD. Golden trout are on the smaller side. About 1/4 mile further, 2 miles from the trailhead, is Golden Trout Lake #2, the largest of the four lakes. A paved, 13 mile road leaves the little town of, Onion Valley, Kearsarge Pass, Mt Gould and Golden Trout Lake, Spectacular loop hike starting at Onion Valley high up in the eastern Sierra Nevada; climbing steadily past four pretty lakes to 11,760 foot Kearsarge Pass, ascending another 1,240 feet to the summit of Mt Gould then returning via an adjacent canyon containing another large lake, Glacial ponds and the valley of the Rae Lakes, in Kings Canyon National Park, All Contents © Copyright The American Southwest. The golden trout is commonly found at elevations from 6,890 feet (2,100 m) to 10,000 feet (3,000 m) above sea level, and is native to California 's southern Sierra Nevada mountains. Swim in the river, hike on some trails, fish for your dinner, and enjoy the serene campsites under golden … My cousin Mike in front of trailhead sign at 9300 feet, the start of a seven-day trip from North Lake to Pine Creek trailhead (we had left a car at the other trailhead). It is, however, popular with fisherman and some artists. Once you get to the beginning of the trail, the hike is a nice little workout until you reach the final location of Golden Trout … There are some different options for starting and ending this hike, but the route I did started at Buffalo Horn Trailhead and ends at the Hyalite Creek Trailhead, and is approximately 42 miles total. If you have visited Upper Golden Trout Lake before, please tell us about it with a comment below. This trail is steep, rugged and difficult to follow. After a quick measurement and photo, he released the 19.7-inch golden trout to claim a new catch-and-release record. It provides a rustic mountain retreat with few amenities, so guests need to bring most of th... Overview Windy Pass Cabin was built in 1934. One major point to keep in mind is that high lake waters are normally very clear. The second challenge is getting there - it basically always requires a high-elevation uphill hike. Elevation Change (ft.) Trailhead Locations 101 Hart Lake 0.8 me-dium ... other salmonids such as brown trout, cutthroat trout, golden trout, grayling, rainbow trout, and splake (brook trout-lake trout hybrid) are available to anglers. California record: 9.8 lb landed in Virginia Lake in 1952. Golden Trout Creek is a designated Heritage and Wild Trout Water. At this point, there is a decent sized parking area. The original Big Creek Cabin was built in 1907 and it still stands on this site. The trail begins to gain elevation and you will want to avoid a turn off toward Golden Trout Camp. The view is stunning and is a very nice place to escape to, even if just for an hour or so. Cottonwood Pass This 7-mile round trip trail ascends 1,200 feet to an 11,200-foot pass and a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail, with access to Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia National Park. Getting There To reach Lower Golden Trout Lake, park at the North Lake Trailhead. Sapphire Lake: (75 acres) at 10,968' elevation. The Golden Trout Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area in the Sierra Nevada, in Tulare County and Inyo County, California.It is located 40 miles (64 km) east of Porterville, California within Inyo National Forest and Sequoia National Forest.. Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout sits on the apex of Garnet Mountain, at an elevation of 8,245 feet. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Some hikes are harder than others - the trek to Lightning Lake (one of the most popular destinations for goldens) is notoriously ridiculous. Both of these lakes are known to hold Brookies. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is BISHOP AP which is approximately 22 miles away and has an elevation of 4,102 feet … The trail starts at the Gallatin River and continues upward through dense evergreen forest. Golden trout lakes is a 5-mile rout trip hike with the opportunity to fish for Golden Trout. Golden Trout Lake is displayed on the Kearsarge Peak USGS quad topo map. Coastal cutthroat trout (resident) Golden trout; Lake information. The road is in rough condition and is better suited for vehicles with a higher clearance. Contains Goldens 7-10 inches. Anyone who is interested in visiting Golden Trout Lake can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. The lake is calm and serene, tucked into the trees with several camp spots around its perimeter. First stocked in 1938, the golden trout at Sylvan Lake are well known in Montana for their genetic purity. Sylvan Lake’s golden population is so pure that the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks regularly uses the eggs laid by goldens at Sylvan Lake for stocking other lakes in Montana. Starting from Onion Valley, Golden Trout Lakes Trail ends at Golden Trout Lakes, in the John Muir Wilderness. This lake holds Brookies. Initially planted with Goldens in 1928 with several more plantings until ending in 1963. Golden trout fishing requires gaining altitude to where the scenery and trek can take your breath away. This trail is steep, rugged and difficult to follow. Golden Trout Lake from Mapcarta, the free map. The Golden Trout Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area in the Sierra Nevada, in Tulare County and Inyo County, California.It is located 40 miles (64 km) east of Porterville, California within Inyo National Forest and Sequoia National Forest.. Both of these lakes are known to hold Brookies. 0.8 miles). It is thought that California golden trout may have extended downstream of Lake Isabella prior to the construction of Isabella Dam. Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather station. THE ASCENT Thirty minutes of channeling my inner mountain goat, teetering and hopping up, over and across jagged granite, I found myself perched 11,300 feet above sea level. The trail leads to Piute Pass and into the High Sierra Backcountry.. Starting in Bozeman, travel south of Gallatin Gateway about 5 miles on Hwy 191 and turn left on to Storm Castle Creek Road. The road zig-zags up the steepening hillside and enters the lower end of Independence Creek valley, later rising some way above via more switchbacks, before levelling out and ending at a large, circular parking area, elevation 9,200 feet. The first lake is #1 (11,264' elevation) which is the only lake known to hold some Golden Trout. Cheyenne - The name golden trout conjures up images of pristine, remote, wilderness, spectacular, sore knees and an aching back. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is INDEPENDE which is approximately 9 miles away and has an elevation of 3,950 feet (7,451 feet lower than Golden Trout Lake). The road is in rough condition and is better suited for vehicles with a higher clearance. Golden trout are native to the Kern River watershed in California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, more specifically the Kern Plateau. Golden Trout Creek is a designated Heritage and Wild Trout Water. The trailhead is easy to find, and has a vault toilet and a decently sized parking lot. Spurs lead to a small USFS campground and several stone buildings. The Pacific Crest Trail junction at Cottonwood Pass gives the option to go to the southeastern portion of Sequoia National Park. Golden trout are most often found in remote, alpine drainages over 9,000 feet in elevation. A few streams cross the trail but are easily maneuvered over via rocks. THE ASCENT Thirty minutes of channeling my inner mountain goat, teetering and hopping up, over and across jagged granite, I found myself perched 11,300 feet above sea level. Small streams meander through tree-rimmed meadows in this wilderness area named for California's state fish, the Golden Trout. If this lake isn't enough, there are two other lakes to the east and west that are accessible and only a distance of 0.3 miles to loop all three. Common Destinations: Golden Trout Lakes. Rough roads to the Golden Trout Lakes It was difficult driving up the road to get to the beginning of the trail, so I recommend a vehicle that can handle the rough road; preferably a truck or AWD. Download area map for trail names. S Sierra Nevada Mountains is a Lake in Idaho and has an elevation of 8153 feet adventures and follow regulations. And provides a panorami... Overview Fox Creek Cabin was built in and... 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