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A Week of Mineral King, Chapter 4: Eagle Lake

One day, a group of cabin friends went to Eagle Lake, the most popular hike in Mineral King. It has been 5 years since I went there, and I had an ominous feeling that this might be the last time I see it. Dramatic? Maybe, but that trail is TOUGH. (Trail Guy actually refuses to go there any more.)

Remember this little hiker from last year? (You can read about our hike here.)

This year Little Sis wanted to go to Eagle Lake. There was a bit of a competition going, since she wanted to go before turning 5, because her Big Bro had gone to Eagle before age 5. Eagle Lake is closer than last year’s hike, but oh so much tougher.

Big Bro studied the trail sign as we were heading out.

Instead of a cat tail this year, there were cat ears on a hoodie.

Whoa, Daddy, is that a flower in your cap?

What? We have to go up that?

Holy smokes, the trail is rough. However, I think it is a little bit improved over its 2017 condition. Maybe, maybe not.

The views are spectacular. With all the stopping to huff-and-puff, there are many opportunities to enjoy the view.

I probably have photographed this twisty tree (a juniper) every time I have gone to Eagle Lake.

Oh yeah! A break from the rocks and the climb.

This is a weird rock, a leverite, as in “Leave ‘er right where you found ‘er”.

AT LAST! The dam. We have arrived. 

You’ll have to return tomorrow for the rest of the story.

Here is the story from 2017: Part One and Part Two

3 Comments

  1. Ah, Eagle Lake, the last lake I hiked to, exactly 10 years ago this week! Those kids put me to shame, but I don’t think I’ll make it up to any MK Lake unless a tram is installed–something Disney would have done, I’m sure.

    P.S. Maybe tomorrow include a photo of the “sink hole?”

    • Sharon, Eagle was a tough hike, not only the steepness, but the rocky boulderfield of a “trail”.

      That sinkhole NEVER looks like anything in a photo.

      • Yeah, that last half mile, ugh! But the views are stunning!

        And you’re right about the sink hole. In fact, taking any photo of a foresty scene where there is both sun and shadow is extremely challenging (and one I haven’t mastered yet)!

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