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An alpine hike along a beautiful creek across green meadows


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Map Key

5.8

Miles

9.3

KM

Point to Point

8,510' 2,594 m

High

6,923' 2,110 m

Low

1,771' 540 m

Up

190' 58 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Need to Know

Permit required for any overnight backcountry trips.

Description

This trail parallels Woods Creek from its confluence with the South Fork Kings River to the John Muir Trail (JMT: Segment 6 - Bishop Pass at LeConte Canyon to Kearsage Pass Trail). Most of the hike is a steady ascent on the southern flank of Window Peak and Castle Domes. You can frequently hear and see Woods Creek, but it's typically not accessible from the trail.

The views back west towards Goat Mountain are as stunning as the views east up ahead to Castle Domes and Acrodectes Peak. The only flat section on this trail is at about 3.6 miles when you reach Castle Domes Meadow, a lush green spot that invites to a break.

The bridge across the South Fork Kings River washed out during the winter of 2016/17. Construction of a replacement bridge is not scheduled before 2020.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tilman Giese

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 4 votes

#6984

Overall
  4.8 from 4 votes
5 Star
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Trail Rankings

#528

in California

#6,984

Overall
7 Views Last Month
3,282 Since Apr 26, 2019
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Enjoy great views of the Castle Domes from the Woods Creek Trail.
Feb 8, 2017 near Big Pine, CA
Turn around every now and then as you are ascending next to Woods Creek, the views are worth it.
Apr 26, 2019 near Big Pine, CA
Looking back into Woods Creek Canyon
Apr 26, 2019 near Big Pine, CA
View east following Woods Creek up to the John Muir Trail
Apr 26, 2019 near Big Pine, CA
Castle Domes Meadow
Apr 26, 2019 near Big Pine, CA
Where the bridge used to be to cross Wood Creek at Upper Paradise. Not hard to cross at all in early Sep. This is taken from the east side of the creek.
Oct 30, 2018 near Big Pine, CA

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Jun 12, 2022
Marc Corona
Jul 6, 2018
Tilman Giese
Mar 13, 2016
Trevor Bowers
5.1mi
May 23, 2015
Craig Stankis
Snowed on us. Didn't want to go up Rae Lakes pass after snow. Went back to end of the road next day.
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