Woods Creek and Lakes

Alpine country at last, the view down canyon towards Woods Creek Junction.

Woods Creek Falls

Woods Creek and Lakes, SEKI, Spring 2005

The first time I came down this trail section on my JMT trip, I thought this was a rather dull section of the trail. Not true. On that JMT trail day I had come from Bench Lake over Pinchott Pass and by the time I reached the lower canyon I was tired and perception impaired. True, on the upper section near the pass there is some lousy rocky trail (next time I will leave the trail and tour the upper lakes and meadows), and in comparison to other parts of the JMT, this trail section does not have the same impact. None the less, because it is different than other parts of the trail, that makes it interesting in its own right. Due to its open nature and it desert community plants, this area has an east-side Sierra feel to it, and I love the east side of the Sierra.

The Woods Creek Falls, a remembered point of interest for anybody doing the PCT/JMT.

One of the most notable features of this section of trail is the Woods Creek Falls. I suspect it is one of the most photographed falls on the JMT/PCT because I keep running across pictures of it in books and on-line. This fall is best seen early season while the water is high. Besides the falls, there is also a rather fine "stairstep" cascade in the area.

Typical canyon trail section (see the trail below). On the notched horizon is the junction area for Woods Lakes. Some camping can be found in this area, some nice ones.

Being not tired, I was rather enjoying this part of the hike. There was uphill trail to do, but it seemed that just as often there were level stretches to rest up on. Heck, there is even some downhill thrown in here and there. Others found this area charming considering the number of fine camps in the area (above White Fork creek crossing). The camps were not exactly private due to the proximity to the trail, but they were level, shaded, and best of all located in fine high country.