Sierra Nevada - John Muir Wilderness - Rock Creek/Tamarack Lake

On July 15-16, 1978 myself, Joe Crimi, Shawn Peek, Mark Reynolds, Rich White, Cathy White, Allen White and Jim White backpacked to below Tamarack Lake out of Rock Creek and day hiked to the lake.

Left Lone Pine about 7 a.m. and drove to the White's in Independence, leaving about 7:30 and hitting the trail from Rock Creek Lake about 9:30. No problems on the trail - a little mud and minor snow.

Arrived at camp around 11,000 feet just after noon. Set up camp, ate, rested and about 2 p.m. headed for Tamarack Lake. Route is easy with some snow. Arrived around 3:30 or so and found the lake frozen except for water on top of the ice and possibly one hole.

Fisherman in the group tried fishing with no luck. Around 4:30 we headed down and fixed supper. Enjoyed campfire before hitting the sack around 9 p.m.

Got up around 7 a.m. and after breakfast, etc. left camp around 9 a.m. and were back at the car about 11 a.m. Drove up to the end of the road at Mosquito Flat and had lunch.

Jim White and I took a hike almost to Long Lake and back. Lots of snow above 11,000 feet. People we met had been to Morgan Pass and had climbed Dade. Beautiful weather. Headed home around 3 p.m. Great weekend.

Shawn Peek and Mark Reynolds on the trail
Shawn Peek and Mark Reynolds on the trail
Scenery below Tamarack Lake
Scenery below Tamarack Lake

The fishermen at Tamarack Lake
The fishermen at Tamarack Lake

Icy Tamarack Lake
Icy Tamarack Lake
Joe Crimi walking 'on' Tamarack Lake
Joe Crimi walking 'on' Tamarack Lake

Joe Cremi 'on' lake, Mark Reynolds fishing, others watching at Tamarack Lake
Joe Cremi "on" lake, Mark Reynolds fishing, others watching at Tamarack Lake

Hikes out of Rock Creek Lake/Mosquito Flat 1978
Hikes out of Rock Creek Lake/Mosquito Flat 1978