A Week In NorCal

Find me on holiday hiking a ridge-line to an alpine lake in the Trinity Alps Wilderness with a few of my best mates. Ian Mac Donald was gracious enough to show Cole Smothers and I around his living space. Ian is working for the U.S. Forest Service overseeing trail work being done by the California Conservation Corps. 

Before Cole and I met Ian on the trail we stopped by Lassen Volcanic National Park because we were in the neighborhood and had some time to kill. 

Sulphur Works, Lassen Volcanic National Park

Sulphur Works, Lassen Volcanic National Park

Sulphur Works, Lassen Volcanic National Park

Devil's Kitchen, Lassen Volcanic National Park

Taco The Trail Dog showing the way through the Trinity Alps Wilderness, California.

Backpacking up the Swift Creek Trail in the Trinity Alps Wilderness.

Backpacking up the Swift Creek Trail in the Trinity Alps Wilderness.

Backpacking up the Swift Creek Trail in the Trinity Alps Wilderness.

Ian tosses a snowball for Taco as we arrive at Ward Lake.

Snowslide Peak, Trinity Alps Wilderness

Ward Lake, Trinity Alps Wilderness

Ward Lake, Trinity Alps Wilderness

Ward Lake, Trinity Alps Wilderness

Ward Lake, Trinity Alps Wilderness

Ward Lake, Trinity Alps Wilderness

Ward Lake, Trinity Alps Wilderness

Ward Lake, Trinity Alps Wilderness

After we left the backcountry we went for a night at Ice House Reservoir in Eldorado National Forest. This delightful reservoir is nestled in the foothills of the Sierras, halfway between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento. 

Ice House Reservoir, Eldorado National Forest

Ice House Reservoir, Eldorado National Forest

Ice House Reservoir, Eldorado National Forest

Ice House Reservoir, Eldorado National Forest

Carrizo Plain National Monument

It's been a wildflower bonanza in the spring of 2017. On April 15 we made our way out to the super bloom at the Carrizio Plain after relief from the drought came this winter. 

Women's March LA