Continuing to clear out my trip report backlog... Last weekend was an overnighter to the "French Lakes" via Pine Creek Pass. Pine Creek is one of those east-side trailheads that is usually available when all others are sold out, perhaps because it starts at 7400', or because the views during the climb out of the lower canyon are dominated by the idle Pine Creek Tungsten Mine and Mill. On the other hand, this trailhead offers short--if not steep--access to some beautiful country: Honeymoon Lake, Granite Park, Lake Italy (via an unmaintained trail), and French Canyon and its many thematically-named lakes.
The first day, we went over Pine Creek Pass and camped on the west end of Elba Lake, across from the spectacular waterfall that flows out of Royce Lakes. After dinner, we took a short walk to see Puppet Lake. The next day, we returned to the pass, then headed NW cross-country to Royce Lakes, then descended to Honeymoon Lake via the low pass east of Royce Lake #1 (#0 is the highest one).
(An excellent multi-day loop out of this trailhead is to climb over Italy Pass, circle Lake Italy along the north shore, cross Gabbot Pass, descend Mills Creek to Mono Creek, cross into Little Lakes Basin via (south) Mono Pass, then return to the trailhead via Morgan Pass and the old mining road.
Pine Creek Loop Pictures