My good friend Stacy accompanied me on this lovely hike along the Pacific Crest Trail from the Meiss Trailhead, pictured below, to Showers Lake. The total trip distance was between 9 and 10 miles, and took a fair portion of the day, due to some nap time at the lake. The trail lies primarily in the Toiyabe National Forest, though it is very close to the border of Toiyabe and El Dorado N.F.
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| Meiss Trailhead, and our transportation. |
After getting a later start than anticipated, we arrived at the Meiss Trailhead, named after the Meiss family, whose summer home rests just off the trail near the midway point between Hwy. 88 and Showers Lake. Construction of the ranch buildings was likely completed around 1880, according to dates carved into the original timbers, and it is still in remarkable condition.
We parked at the Meiss Trailhead, just below Carson Pass off of Hwy. 88. There is a $5 parking fee, so come prepared with cash. From there, we headed to Showers Lake, past the Meiss cabin, and several small lakes that we saw along the journey.
The initial climb was very moderate, passing through a small grove of Quaking Aspens, with Mules Ear, Lyall's Lipine (not Lupine, apparently), sagebrush, several species from the
Castilleja genus (Indian Paint Brushes) and some rather thick patches of gooseberries mixed in for variety. Unfortunately, the gooseberries won't be bearing fruit for at least a few more weeks. I may have to head back up there.
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| The first section of the trail passes through several Aspen groves, and is a steady, but gentle, climb. |
After about 3/4 of a mile, we broke out of the woods into a more strenuous climb through a dry south-facing slope. We found an abundance of what I have always called Mariposa Lilies, only to find it is more accurately called Leichtlin's Mariposa Tulip, the bulb of which was eaten by Native Americans, both raw and boiled.
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| Calochortus leichtlini |
Reaching the top of the climb, we found ourselves in a wide saddle. Behind us, we could see Fourth of July Peak (9,536'), The Sisters (10,045' & 10,153'), and Round Top (10,381'), above Woods Lake. It was probably the most impressive vista of the day, though looking in the opposite direction, we could see Lake Tahoe, but the ridge line created by the peaks looked amazing, and served as a gorgeous backdrop for our adventure.
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| Western Blue Flag Iris growing along the trail. |
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| Western Blue Flag (Iridaceae missouriensis) |
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| Crimson Columbine (Aquilegia formosa) |
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| Mountain Mule's Ear (Wyethia mollis) |
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