A Backpack to the Remote Lyell Fork of the Merced River

Gallison Lake on its bed of grass, spilling the Lewis Creek waters into the Lewis Creek canyon.

Vogelsang Pass (South) 2005

A Trail and Cross-Country Route to the Lyell Fork, July 2007

Behold! A view of more named peaks than you would normally see in the Sierra from one vantage point! Starting on the right close at hand from the pass is Vogelsang Peak and then counter-clockwise I could see Quartzite Peak, Mt. Clark, Grey Peak, Red Peak, Ottoway Peak, Merced Peak, Triple Divide Peak, Mt. Florence, Mt. Maclure, Simmons Peak and Parsons Peak. Across the deep valley below me to my left was the high exposed meadow fringed Gallison Lake with is long falls on its outlet stream, and to the right its more hospitable tree-lined sister Bernice Lake. Below me the hillside plunged down into a deep valley clothed in meadows and forest.

The pleasant Bernice Lake where there is fine camping and great views all around. A perfect Sierra lake.

I have to say up front that what then lay below my boots is a Sierra paradise with a little of everything you come to the Sierra for, yet few people go there. Most people go down the Fletcher Creek drainage with its own attractions of large wide-open meadows, lakes and deep forests, which we will see later. The Lewis Creek Canyon is a whole different world.

The Lewis Creek Drainage. Beyond, the Clark Range, a constant companion view all along this trip for most of the way. Mt. Clark is on the far right.