On July 3-6, 1980 myself and Jimmy White backpacked to Thousand Island Lake from Silver Lake to Agnew Lake, then took the Spooky Meadow/Clark Lakes route to Thousand Island Lake.
Silver Lake to Thousand Island Lake map
We left Independence at 3:15 p.m. on July 3, expecting to go in to the Sabrina Basin area on a first-come permit but found they were all taken when we arrived at Bishop so went on to Silver Lake where the trail has no quota.
Arrived about 6 p.m. and secured permit from Pack Station and food for supper from the store. Hit the trail about 6:30 p.m. for Agnew Lake (2 ΒΌ miles). Being in the shade the trail was pleasant and we soon left the bugs behind and arrived at Agnew Lake where we made camp just below the dam and fixed supper.
Agnew Lake Dam - Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Gem Lake Dam above Agnew Lake - Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Gem Lake Dam - Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Agnew Lake, Mono Lake (distant) - Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Inlet to Agnew Lake, tramway on slope - Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Friday morning we got up late and fixed breakfast then about 10 a.m. headed up the south trail to Spooky Meadow and Clark Lakes. The trail above Agnew Lake (which was spilling over its spillway) had about the same amount of snow as the trip on Memorial weekend in i977. As we entered the bottom of Spooky Meadow the snow was heavier than in 1977 (month later this year).
We found our way to the top of the ridge about 1;30 or so for lunch. Dropped down to the Clark Lakes where we met a Ranger. Much snow around but plenty of bare spots for camping. Headed on toward Thousand Island Lake, dropping first down to the High Trail and then meeting the River Trail from Agnew Meadow.
Thousand Island Lake was frozen about 90% but Jim spotted a good campsite on the northerly hillside where we made camp about 4:30. It was quite windy and stayed so most of the time we were there - although the air temperature was relatively warm. NO BUGS.
Don below Spooky Meadow (Jimmy White Photo) - Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Clark Lakes - Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Mt. Ritter and Banner Peak from Clark Lakes - Jul 1980
Banner Peak from stream below Thousand Island Lake - Jul 1980
Mount Lyell from above Thousand Island Lake - Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Donahue Pass and Rush Creek Valley from above Thousand Island Lake
Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Banner Peak over frozen Thousand Island Lake - Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Banner Peak over frozen Thousand Island Lake, Mt. Davis, Rogers Peak, Mount Lyell - Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Banner Peak over frozen Thousand Island Lake from camp
Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Sunset on Banner Peak - Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Saturday morning we got up fairly early but I was having an allergy problem and not too energetic. We finally headed out along the lake but with so much snow and little energy soon stopped for a rest and nap. Later headed up the ridge behind camp and got up high enough to have some good views before returning to camp about 4 p.m. Had a pleasant supper and good night's sleep.
We got up fairly early on Sunday but being lazy didn't get out of camp until after 10 a.m. Retraced our route back to Clark Lakes where we had lunch about 1 p.m. All those camped in the area had left. Continued leisurely over the crest into Spooky Meadow. Stopped for snacks several times on a pleasant hike down to Silver Lake, making the car about 5:30. Headed home after a very pleasant weekend.
San Jouquin Mountai and Two Teats (right of center) from below Thousand Island Lake
Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Banner Peak over stream below Thousand Island Lake
Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Banner Peak over stream below Thousand Island Lake
Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Looking toward Rush Creek from near Clark Lakes - Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Gem Lake from Clark Lakes area - Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Rush Creek waterfall from Silver Lake trail - Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Sea Gull - Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980
Sea Gull - Ansel Adams Wilderness - Jul 1980