Need Help - Backpacking and Fishing Trip With Kids Mid June

[woody_george]

Ok WaLakers -

Haven't seen too much action on this forum in a LONG time, so here is a chance to get the Alpine Lakes blood running.

I need help with a recommendation for a nice trip for me and a buddy, and our two 10 year old sons for backpacking, campout, and fishing this weekend. We ideally are wanting no/managable snow, 1-3 miles in to the camping (5 mi max), and of course cool fish. Anything leap to mind for this weekend?

I saw Greider Lakes in another post that looked interesting? Any thoughts?

Also, I wonder if there are special considerations/rules for these lakes - is bait ok?

Thanks,
Paul "Woody" George

[G-Man]

Check out Mike Carey's blogs that he did on his past alpine lake trips. I know someone, in the past couple of years, had reported on a trip up the Foss River Trail. This year may be a little tough as the snow was heavy last winter and is really hanging around in the upper elevations.

[woody_george]

Thanks G Man - I will check that one out, if not for this trip, maybe later? So many of the logs on WTA mention struggling with snow, it has me a bit scared off. I am going to call the rec office for Greider to see what we might be in for there. Barklay was another we are looking at that would get the job done.

Also interested in some *secret* lakes that may be holding Troutzillas from stockings 20 year yon - may need to book another trip for later in the summer.

Woody

[ehedman]

Hi guys,
I too am looking at the alpine lakes to take my 13 year old son on a real camping trip.
Have not hiked this area since before he was born and after the last few years with the economy and such, I need to find good ways to relax and enjoy life.
Any suggestions for a rookie?

Thanks in advance,
Eric

[The Quadfather]

Eric,

A couple of useful links: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
That link is a link where people report on trail conditions of alpine hikes that they have taken. On my first glance just now in there, I saw two lakes that i knew well. They gave detaled info. as to how much snow there, downed trees, trail conditions, etc. Check the link out and do a search or ask around about lakes you're interested in.

2nd link: http://www.hilakers.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; These are the DUDES.
From this link, you should sign up to become available to see everything, forum, etc. Then go to the forum and see the WA. Trailblazers. They have different forums where the group of people who appreciate Alpine lakes, gather and talk about stuff.
FYI.... a lot of forums like this, if you come into it as a complete "New member" and ask a lot of direct questions about " Tell me the best lake, and your favorite spot, etc" You will get shutdown by people. But if you read the forum posts in depth you can usually garner some useful info. and then maybe PM somebody about a particular trail or lake.

I sure wish I had the time to do this stuff more.
Good luck.