Big Flat Loop: 24 miles, about 6500 ft total elevation gain and 6500 ft total elevation loss. C rating.
Lowest elevation, about 5100 ft, highest point, about 7400 ft.
Should be close to peak wildflower season.
Drive down Thursday night after work (7.5 hour drive, 412 miles), it would be nice if we could leave at 3 pm. Car camp on Coffee Creek road at one of the forest service campgrounds.
Get up early Friday morning finish with a short drive and park at Big Flat Trailhead at the end of Coffee Creek Road.
Note: I would prefer to get up close to sunrise and then have more time during the day to stop and take pictures, rest, etc. I pack light, and have a 2-4 mph pace, but in the end it is all about having a good time.
Note: California requires a free stove permit which can be filled online and is good for the year: preventwildfireca.org
Everyone should be self sufficient, but it is up to individuals to decide to share gear. This could be done at the trailhead. Wilderness, maximum of 12 people.
Return to Portland late Sunday evening.
Big Flat Trailhead- Start and End
Start up Yellow Rose Trail to the pass (2000 ft gain) past some abandoned mines, over pass, and down Sunrise Creek Trail (9W15) to Mumford and Parker Meadows (camp). These meadows should be at their peak wildflower blooms. An early start follows the trail southeast to Bear Basin Trail (9W10), over pass, and continue up to Black(s) Basin. Follow trail north over unnamed pass and drop into Mumford Basin. Camp will either be Blacks basin, Mumford Basin, or Horseshoe Lake. Continue down to Swift Creek Trail and head West uphill to Horseshoe Lake. Continue up passing by Ward Lake over pass. Follow Kidd Creek trail down to valley bottom of South Fork of Salmon River. Continue north on valley trail to end back at Big Flat Trailhead.
Pre-trip Meeting June 26, place TBD
For more information contact Tom Kline 503-786-0592
BOOKINGS
Bookings are closed for this event at this time. Contact the trip leader for any questions.