We were psyched to be back in Jack Main Canyon. We were heading north, past Wilmer Lake. Our plan was to scope out a good line to take off-trail to the Otter Lakes. This is part 3 of 4. Here is part 1 and part 4.
The hike north through Jack Main Canyon is awesome. The hike has interesting features large and small, and water is everywhere. We encountered a tremendous number of mosquitoes at times, however, but we were prepared. We prefer a combination of zip-off pants, long sleeved shirts, head nets, and Repel natural bug repellent. On this trip, the bugs weren't bad until we hit the ranger station near Wilmer Lake, where they were became quite thick. (By the way, we know the maps say "Wilma" Lake, but the trail signs read Wilmer.)
Nancy chose a route following a conspicuous broken ridge line that we could see from our bivy site about 125° true south from a saddle on the eastern side of the northern Otter Lake. But from the saddle, just about any approach from the east looks as though it would work just fine.
The Otter Lakes area is amazing. We had a layover day here and could have spent several days exploring the area and basking in the sun.
The Otter Lakes area is amazing. We had a layover day here and could have spent several days exploring the area and basking in the sun.
The off-trail route from Otter Lakes was pretty easy; I think we made it in a couple of hours. We tend to wander and explore while we're traveling, so YMMV. Ardeth Lake was very nice. The water was cold, but the surrounding area offered great views. We loved the trek from Ardeth. The cascade down into Jack Main Canyon was beautiful, and the landscape and views on the hike between there to the Moraine Trail were spectacular. Water wasn't plentiful in this area when we were there, but we'd consider this area a destination all in itself at times when water might be flowing (evidence suggested that it might be available in the spring).
Part 4 of 4 of this trip report is here.
Part 4 of 4 of this trip report is here.