Tar Gap

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fishing · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

In my opinion, this is the easiest entrance to the kept best kept secret of Mineral King, the Hockett Plateau. This trail provides sweeping views and a mellow terrain profile (aside from the initial ascent out of Cold Springs) for all 9 miles to the Hockett Ranger station. Wildflowers, scenery, berries, bubbling brooks--enjoy!

Once on the Hockett Plateau, a popular weekend backpacking trip includes camping at the Hockett Ranger Station Campground and doing day-trips to Evelyn Lake and Cahoon Rock. Evelyn is a top tier fishing and swimming lake with great water temperature and large, easy-to-catch fish.

Maintenance comes and goes in waves on this trail, but as of 7/29/2024 is fully cleared of trees and stock passable.