Re: Last min destination suggestions?

Hey all! Long time.


So I live up off highway 108 and am just getting off work and between work stress and this heat I have decided I really need to go and spend a night or 2 away from everything and everyone. Normally I would just pack up hit a trail head and hike 4-5 miles and find a place without anyone to bother me, Trouble being with covid this year Highway 108 and everything near by has been inundated with people everywhere. It's driving me mad. I even went off trail down to a spot I don't ever see people in cherry canyon a few weeks ago and not only was there a group in the spot I like to camp, but another LARGE group came into the area after dark!

So I need some quick suggestions on where I can go right now for 1 to 2 nights that is fairly quick and easy ish to get to where this is not going to be a million people.

I'm not looking for any giant water attractions, any amazing vista's, any place on peoples bucket lists. I'm looking for a place that I can go, chill out in my hammock in the shade and soak up some peace, quiet, and nature. A clean water source is (small creek, or whatever) something I do need though

Head out Clark Fork. Take the Arnot Creek Trail to Woods Gulch, then go up and over the ridge and down Jenkins Creek into Highlands Creek. 5-6 miles. You won't see anyone.

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Expect your last minute weekend is over but will give you advice for the future.

To escape the worst heat, you won't want to be below 8.5k that means somewhere up near Sonora Pass. Most small streams by now are dry so you need to look at those that never dry up. West of the pass offers little at those elevations with water and well away from the busy road. East of the pass may seem likewise however here is a nugget. You won't be able to escape vehicle noise or people at any of the near SR108 places along the highway many disperse car camp at. If at the 8450 SR108 bend you take the Leavitt Lake dirt road (077), and drive up that as far as you can given it becomes ugly 4WD high clearance quickly, and park, there is a zone between Leavitt Lake and SR108 no others bother with along the creek with trees. That is where the stream from Koenig Lake joins the one from Leavitt at 8960+ within an avalanche meadow. Because it is about 1/4 mile away from the dirt road, any that get that far are going to be heading to the overly used lake. Also no need for a wilderness permit.

https://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=38.28587,-119.60865&z=15&b=t

As one can see on the satellite view there are lots of trees there for your hammock and peace since it is off the main highway and few will be driving up the dirt road that is well away. Note a bit below the stream junction is an interesting zone with large boulders that might make a nice camp zone. Probably a place one may see deer and critters since they don't expect humans. Given the tall slopes to the east, sun will be blocked early morning.

https://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=38.28666,-119.60341&z=17&b=hyb

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/20/2020 06:00PM by DavidSenesac.