Basin Lakes Loop Indian Heaven

[Sugar Pine]

Great hike on the Basin Lakes Loop in Indian Heaven last weekend (10/8/22). The route to the lakes was easy to find, just past the wilderness permit box per the field guide. The trail up was in pretty good shape, with some shortcutting to bypass downed trees. We lost the trail just before the first lake but made our way back to it.

First Lake - Janet Lake?

We stayed to the south of the first lake, trying to follow the trail marked on the 1980 historic topo on Gaia, but mostly following a boot path. We got off the trail a couple of times but found our way back. We left the "trail" to check out another lake.

Last Lake - Darlene Lake?

We passed a campsite in a dry meadow near the start of the trail up the ridge, which was steep, but not too long.

At the top, we detoured to Blue Lake, where we passed many other hikers.

Blue Lake

Lots of fall colors along Berry Mtn.

And views

Really enjoyed the trail finding in Basin Lakes and the tranquil setting. We plan to go back and explore again sometime. The loop didn't have the Huckleberry dotted meadows found elsewhere in Indian Heaven.

Meadow west of East Crater (10/7/22)

[bobcat]

Good report! The route seems to be about as clear as it ever was.

Darlene Lake is the only lake south of the old tread. It's narrow (north-south) with wide meadow margins. It may be a matter of perspective, but your picture may be from north of the track and thus could be of Tina Lake (which I named after my wife).