The Ottoway Lakes Loop

The Lyell Fork over some falls on the Merced River. I would love to see this early season.

Merced River Camping

The Ottoway Lakes Loop, September 2004

After about a half mile the trail broke into the open to overlook one of the best camps I saw along this route. Despite the fact it was well away from water and the trail and the abundance of downfall, it looked like the Rangers were keeping it clear of fire-rings. If you are there and it cold or stormy, build a fire-ring if you need one. Otherwise let 'er be. Anyway, it was below the trail in a very flat soil covered area (probably not really deep soil) with a few nice shade trees. Below was a slope of granite that ended in a cliff over the river. Downstream you could see an inviting pool and granite slide. Upstream was another granite pool with a really nice waterfall. Nearby were inviting rocks to sit on among the medium sized trees that managed to find purchase in the granite terrain. Above and all around were the peaks and scenery of the junction of the five canyons. Just an outstanding spot.

The Red Peak Fork canyon above the Merced River. Those trees would indicate that getting up into that canyon may not be a problem. You never know. Down below, the river pools with sand and rock. Note the trail on the right.

I moved on down the trail and spied other open areas of granite and water that invited a cold dip, but the trail eventually became closed in by forest and also became fairly (but not totally) viewless, if pleasant. At one point I passed a falls marked on the 7.5 map, which was fairly subdued due to the low flow of water. One section of the falls was totally shut off. There were some nice pools below the falls.