Dan's Outside

Fletcher and Ireland Lakes Loop

Last night I returned from a quick pack trip out of Tuolumne Meadows. This trip visited very familiar terrain, encompassing a loop that I have traveled many times over the years.

Permits for my first choice entry up Rafferty Creek were gone when I arrived on Friday, so I got a permit for entry via Lyell Canyon. The most sensible place to camp when doing the loop in this direction is the junction of the John Muir Trail and the Ireland Lake Trail. This is a nearly flat six-mile walk out of Tuolumne, so I opted to spend some time in the Tioga/Tuolumne area before starting up the trail at about 2:00 in the afternoon.

On Saturday I headed up the Ireland Lake trail. This trail begins with a fairly stiff climb up the canyon below Potter Point. I was surprised that there was still quite a bit of green vegetation and even blooming flowers on this late-August weekend. Even with a late start I made it to the turnoff to Ireland Lake at noon. At this point the main trail goes straight ahead to Fletcher Lake via Evelyn Lake and the Ireland Lake trail climbs gradually to the left.

The surprising late-season greenery continued as I followed the trail toward Ireland Lake. Above the lake the hillside was covered with grasses and many wildflowers. I stopped above the lake to eat lunch and take some pictures before heading back and up over the ridge back to the northwest. From the ridge a cross-country route took me down to the plateau above Townsley Lake and then down to Fletcher Lake and my campsite.

I hiked on Sunday morning, following the usual Rafferty Creek route down to Tuolumne Meadows, arriving in time for lunch and the Meadows Grill.
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August 29, 2005 - Posted by gdanmitchell | Trips