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North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.8 (19)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. …Inyo National Forest
  5. Big Pine Area Trails
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“Follows the North Fork of Big Pine Creek by lakes 1 through 3 ”

Daniel Birdwell
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7.5

Miles

12.1

KM

Point to Point

11,240' 3,426 m

High

7,762' 2,366 m

Low

3,538' 1,078 m

Up

153' 47 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

38%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

Need to Know

• Wilderness permits required year-round for overnight trips; no permit is needed for day use.
• This is a popular trail, with the heaviest traffic in July and August.
• All food, trash, and scented items must be stored in bear-proof containers or properly counter-balanced.

Description

The trail from the Glacier Lodge slowly climbs into the alpine. You start higher up on the hillside, and then after several miles the trail converges with the creek at a waterfall. Here, the trail takes you through a birch forest and past an old stone cabin.

You'll eventually come out of the forested area into an area several hundred feet above the lakes to the east. You'll also see the impressive Temple Crag on the other side of the lakes. Pass lakes 1, 2, and 3 and enjoy the views as each lake has something new to offer.

Flora & Fauna

The North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail features alpine and subalpine flora, including lodgepole pine, whitebark pine, aspen, and sagebrush. Wildflowers such as lupine, paintbrush, and columbine are common in summer. Fauna includes mule deer, marmots, pika, black bears, and various bird species like Clark's nutcracker and mountain chickadees.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Inyo National Forest Office

Shared By:

Daniel Birdwell with improvements by Lani Advokat
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 19 votes

#1

in Big Pine Area Trails

#202

Overall
  4.8 from 19 votes
5 Star
79%
4 Star
21%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Big Pine Area Trails

#18

in California

#202

Overall
10 Views Last Month
6,641 Since Apr 18, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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Add a Photo

Photos

Temple Crag.
Apr 7, 2016 near Big Pine, CA
Kid Mountain (~11,860 ft) stands across the valley as the trail ascends to the Baker Creek Trail junction.
Jun 21, 2017 near Big Pine, CA
Temple Crag sunrise.
Apr 14, 2016 near Big Pine, CA
Mount Alice and Temple Crag.
Apr 14, 2016 near Big Pine, CA
Big Pine Lakes area, featuring the First Lake and Mount Alice.
Apr 14, 2016 near Big Pine, CA
Palisades from Big Pine Lakes Fourth Lake
Apr 19, 2016 near Big Pine, CA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 11, 2021
Jay Gao
Sep 5, 2020
Damien Sutevski
Jun 30, 2020
Marzia DC
Absolutely stunning with much variety - end of June early july the waterfalls are gushing and the flowers are blooming. Great lunch spot at 2nd lake — 8h 00m
Aug 30, 2019
Marc Daniel
Walking solo after spending the night at Glacier Lodge — 8h 27m
Aug 6, 2019
Johnson Wong
May 25, 2019
Geraldine Salazar-Harms
20mi
Nov 7, 2018
Daniel Wong
Backpacked to 3rd Lake Saturday, hiked to 4th Lake Sunday, and hiked back out. 14mi
Sep 26, 2018
Victoria Utvick

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