The Ottoway Lakes Loop

Point 7683 as seen from where the trail skirts its base near the river.

Merced Falls

The Ottoway Lakes Loop, September 2004

After what seemed a long level walk, the trail reached another large pool and cascade (Merced Falls) below Moraine Dome and Point 7683. Again the trail descended to another valley floor, and this time it was Little Yosemite Valley. This end of the valley lived up to its 'yosemite' name with high sheer walls on either side of the valley. Forest keeps you from fully enjoying the views. Near and below this beautiful cascade and just within the forest was a huge extensive campground that looked like it got some fair use.

Merced Falls and the entrance to Little Yosemite Valley. Point 8070 is on the left horizon.

Beyond the camps the trail settled down to a hot often-sandy slog on nearly level forested flat. Occasionally there were some views of Cascade Cliffs and some poor meadow areas, but mostly it was just a straight-ahead slog I calculated to maintain best speed to get to camp. Of some interest, there seemed to be remains of an asphalt pavement on the trail, mostly in evidence by a central hump that revealed the old material. Part of the time the trail was sandy, sometime deep sand, and that had me constantly searching for firmer footing.