A Backpack to the Remote Lyell Fork of the Merced River

"Babcock Dome" across Fletcher Creek from the Lewis Creek Trail. One of the more interesting areas of Yosemite.

Down to Fletcher Creek

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

Looking across the canyon to the domes, forest and trees of Fletcher Creek, I was shocked to see that most of the trees looked dead, very different from the last time I was there only a year or two ago. Most Yosemite forests have a good number of dead trees (which may already be a bad thing), but I have not seen so many dead trees since a few years ago and the blight that was hitting SEKI. It was looking worse here. I will get into this subject more when we get to Babcock Lake.

Heading down to Fletcher Creek  from the Lewis Creek trail junction. Half Dome on the left.

In any case, I remember from all my visits to this area that this view is one of the best in the area. Looking below to my left, the large Merced Lake. To the right of the lake, the right shoulder of Half Dome poking its head up on the horizon. To the right of that, the huge perfect "Babcock Dome" with the cascade of Fletcher Creek flowing down its shoulder on its way to joining Louis Creek. Later we would have great views of the Clark Range. Below, the forest of Fletcher and Lewis Creek.

The campground is just across this bridge over Fletcher Creek.

About the time I reached the Fletcher Creek trail junction, Dave had caught up to me. I hung a right and began the traverse down to Lewis Creek on the Fletcher Creek trail. After a fair walk on rolling trail, a left turn switchback brought us to the Lewis Creek bridge, and on the far side, an extensive flat campground. This camp looked like it could accommodate ten or more tents. As planned, we stopped at this pleasant shady hollow for a rest, water and food break before the exposed hot climb up the switchbacks of Fletcher Creek. We had the place to ourselves, and only one beat looking couple passed through on their way upward. They should have taken a break too.