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14 Martha Lake

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Trip Data: 11S 345061 4106896; 38/46 miles; 6/1 days

Topos: Florence Lake, Ward Mountain, Blackcap Mountain, Mt. Henry, Mt. Goddard

Highlights: Beyond Muir Trail Ranch, this trip visits remote backcountry in the northwestern corner of Kings Canyon National Park. The scenery along South Fork San Joaquin River is stunning, with a parade of thrilling cataracts, cascades, and waterfalls visible from the trail. The long journey up the river culminates in a splendid crescendo at Martha Lake, a large alpine lake cradled in a rocky cirque basin nearly surrounded by craggy peaks and ridges. Along the way, sore backpackers can soak their weary bones in the soothing waters of Blayney Hot Springs.

HEADS UP! You can save a total of 8 miles of uninspiring hiking along the shore of Florence Lake with arrangements for a water-taxi ride across the lake. The different distances shown above and in the Day headers below reflect this (with water taxi/without).

WATER TAXI

Rather than backpack the first 4 miles, you could purchase a ticket at the store and take advantage of the ferry ride across Florence Lake. From 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M., the ferry makes a minimum of five scheduled trips (more on weekends) across the lake and back. From the ferry dock at the far end of the lake, climb uphill over barren granite slopes for a half mile to the junction with the trail around Florence Lake. For your return, there’s a radiophone near the dock, from which you can call the store for your ride back.