Strawberry Mountain Wilderness in mid-September?

Trip recommendations, current conditions, and other trail related Q&A
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texasbb
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Strawberry Mountain Wilderness in mid-September?

Post by texasbb » September 7th, 2020, 5:35 pm

Those of you who've been to the Strawberry, what do you think of it as a mid-September destination?

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retired jerry
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Re: Strawberry Mountain Wilderness in mid-September?

Post by retired jerry » September 9th, 2020, 11:18 am

hot and dry? I've only been there a couple times in the spring when it's better.

look at fire smoke maps, it could be downwind from major fires

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texasbb
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Re: Strawberry Mountain Wilderness in mid-September?

Post by texasbb » September 9th, 2020, 11:47 am

retired jerry wrote:
September 9th, 2020, 11:18 am
hot and dry? I've only been there a couple times in the spring when it's better.

look at fire smoke maps, it could be downwind from major fires
Thanks, Jerry. The smoke is a whole 'nother matter, and I'll be watching that, but I'm just checking to see if I'm overlooking anything about the area itself. Looks like there are enough water sources to complete the Slide/High/Strawberry Lake loop with a little care? I'm thinking maybe spend the first night at Slide Lk (or maybe High Lk if I'm feeling my oats), then head over to Strawberry Mtn then a 2nd camp at Strawberry Lk before heading out on day 3. Other than smoke and fire, do you see any issue with that?

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retired jerry
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Re: Strawberry Mountain Wilderness in mid-September?

Post by retired jerry » September 9th, 2020, 12:55 pm

I think Slide, Strawberry, and High lakes will have water. Probably that stream going into Strawberry Lake also.

I've done that loop twice, plus a little beyond at places

leiavoia
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Re: Strawberry Mountain Wilderness in mid-September?

Post by leiavoia » September 9th, 2020, 1:59 pm

I have been up there in late August which is not exactly what you asked for but reasonably close. Should be dry and comfortable. There is enough water in the lakes area and the water is good. Onion meadow may also still have water.

Unless you are looking to explore the dusty, burned-over outer limits of the area, a recommended loop trip would look like:

High lake TH
Little Slide Lake (or High Lake if you are tired)
Little Strawberry Lake
Onion Meadow / optional
Strawberry mt peak, back to TH

I do recommend the “little” lakes over the bigger ones. Water is cleaner, scenery is better, and areas are less crowded.

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texasbb
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Re: Strawberry Mountain Wilderness in mid-September?

Post by texasbb » September 9th, 2020, 5:02 pm

Thanks, leiavoia. I hadn't thought about starting at High Lake TH, but that does seem to break the trip into better segments. It's nice to know I can camp at those little lakes, too. Now if the fires will just cooperate...

Edit: Where is Onion Meadow?

leiavoia
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Re: Strawberry Mountain Wilderness in mid-September?

Post by leiavoia » September 10th, 2020, 7:03 am

Onion meadow is a flat spot At around 8000ft elevation on the way up to the summit from Strawberry Lake. It’s a beautiful place with lots of nooks and crannies to camp and a few meandering streams for water. Makes a good campsite if you plan to hike the summit. You will miss the wildflowers, but you will also miss the mosquitos.

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retired jerry
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Re: Strawberry Mountain Wilderness in mid-September?

Post by retired jerry » September 10th, 2020, 8:05 am

that sounds nice

I wonder if there are any streams now, pretty dry out there

just walking around on Three Sisters there were a lot of dry stream beds

but there are some springs on the way to strawberry peak that might be still flowing

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texasbb
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Re: Strawberry Mountain Wilderness in mid-September?

Post by texasbb » September 10th, 2020, 10:20 am

Yes, that does sound nice. Depending on how I'm feeling I might give Onion a shot. Worst case, there's no water and I have to backtrack to Little Strawberry.

'Course, the fires may make it all moot, we'll see.

Thanks again, both of you.

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