Circle the Cirque Crest

Lake Basin. "Gemini Lakes". Only a very small spit of land divides this lake in one place not seen below in this picture. To the right is a good camping spot if for some reason you could not stay at Marion Lake. Above you can see the obvious route from Red Pass between Marion Peak and Red Point (just off picture). Marion Lake is just below the cliffs seen above the lake and just out of sight.

"Gemini Lakes"

Circle The Cirque Crest - By D.W.Donehoo (All rights reserved)

Beyond we found the lakes I call "Gemini Lakes" that catch the outlet of "L Lake" above. These lakes were more like one medium lake cut down the middle lengthwise. In a nearby rocky gully we found a well defined trail leading to the lake and decided to follow this drainage down to the crossing to Marion Lake. If the camping was too crowded at Marion Lake and you wanted a great spot for yourself, "Gemini Lakes" would be the next best spot. There is a large flat pine needle bedded area, obviously camped in if you looked hard enough for signs, surrounded by scattered large trunk trees overlooking lake, talus, and high soaring white granite walls. Wildflowers abound, and the isthmus between the two lakes begs to be explored and enjoyed. From the lake it is easy cross-country along the outlet and in open forest to the ford below. We rolled into camp with time to spare (read that as "rest"). After some recovery time, we both managed to independently explore the eastern inlet from a small hanging valley that leads to a pass into the southern Cartridge Pass area. Later we were to see the eastern side of that pass.

But mainly, when you are at Marion Lake, you just want to enjoy the spectacular panorama the lake provides. You take walks just to get the revealing of yet another awe inspiring view. A most unique and beautiful lake. We spent another star-filled evening with distant flashes of summer lightening.