[pct-l] section M - Three Lakes

[David Hough reading PCT-L]

Things have changed at Three Lakes since the Wilderness Press last revision.

The trail from the PCT down to the lower lake has not been maintained since
the fire, except signs were placed at both ends.    It is not to hard to
follow among the fallen trees but would be tricky in the dark.

You end up at the lower lake trailhead which has an outhouse which seems
untouched by the fire though it hasn't been serviced since it was built,
it seems.    There is also a new looking sign announcing the Three Lakes
Trailhead.     There are plenty of campsites nearby, mostly used by off roaders,
and the fire revealed generations of tin cans and glass bottles that had
been thrown in the brush.

The lower lake is pretty unappealing when drawn down as it is already.
But there are nice sunset views on the cliffs.    I drank the water treated
with a steripen and seem to be OK.

There is no trace of the former jeep road to the middle lake or the trail
to the upper lake.    You could make your way there but it's probably not
worthwhile for through hikers.    Lots of new brush.

There was once another access trail from the PCT for southbounders, but I saw
no sign of it.

As an alternative for through hikers that only want a campsite with water,
about half way down the "CRHT" access trail is a clearing for a tent site
near the outlet stream from Grassy Lakes.    This is the same water you'd
be drinking further down at the lower Three Lakes.    I didn't check if
there was easy access to the stream here through the brush, but it was close
enough to hear.

At the wilderness boundary, there is an iron visitor registration stand that
does not appear to be serviced since the fire.    The visitor forms were
discolored from the heat of the fire.

David Hough