Читать книгу Sierra South. Backcountry Trips in California's Sierra Nevada онлайн

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After crossing the outlet stream from Lake Confusion, which is high above, begin a moderately steep, cross-country ascent over grassy benches and granite slabs to the lip of the basin holding Martha Lake. From there, a short, easy stroll leads to the west shore of the austere, rock-bound lake (11,004´; 11S 345061 4106896).

AT MARTHA LAKE

A smattering of small pocket meadows almost soften the predominantly barren, rocky shoreline of the lake. Situated above timberline near the convergence of three divides—Goddard, LeConte, and White—the lake is located in a truly alpine environment. The dark, rugged flanks of Mt. Goddard (13,368´) tower 2500 feet over the northeast shore, while Mt. Reinstein (12,604´) provides a fine backdrop to the south. Although developed campsites are virtually nonexistent, resourceful backpackers will be able to find sandy spots suitable for pitching a tent in various locations around the shoreline. Anglers can ply the waters in search of rainbow and golden trout. For cross-country enthusiasts, Martha Lake is also the western gateway into some of the most coveted off-trail terrain in the High Sierra: Directly east lies the mysterious realm of Ionian Basin, a trip through which is considered a Sierra classic. Mountaineers may want to tackle the Class 2–3 route up the southeast ridge of Mt. Goddard.