This hike adventure started the night before, figuring that camping nearby would give us a head start. We arrived at the campsite at dusk, just as the sun was skimming the peaks of the buttes - tomorrow, we hike up there!
Below the campsite runs part of the Yuba River so we explored the area - lots of swimming holes! The campsite had the perfect view of the Big Dipper and our light was soon attracting tons of bugs which in turn brought tons of bats, swooping down right beside our heads in the dark.
The trail begins in a dirt parking lot a good way up the mountain and apparently there are OHV trails that allow you to drive up even further. This trail is pretty steep! I laugh now because we were originally going to begin the hike lower down (on part of the PCT) but there's no way I would have made it - next time! Cresting the initial ascent felt like stepping into the Sound of Music or something; a beautiful mountain meadow, abundant wildflowers, yellows, blues, reds, pinks and floating butterflies, white and dusty blue all basking in the warm summer sun. Perfect for a hike. Below is the first view of Sardine Lakes, the second is of the Lakes from the peak.
The very edge of the fire lookout, on the tippy top of one of the peaks, was my goal and I did it! Although honestly, after my first look over the railing I ended up edging myself around the rest of the lookout. From the lookout is a 360 degree view of the Sacramento Valley, and mountains Shasta and Lassen in the distance, the Sardine Lakes and Young American Lake. At the base of the tower supports there is a small bundle of flowers, a photo and a story of a beautiful young woman who is visited every year by her husband in this beautiful place. I didn't know her, but I sat there for a moment, with "Teddy" just thinking on things. There is no better place to think on things than the top of the world.
Lunch view at the Top of the World!
Thank you! I love your back to school post!
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