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

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The path climbs around a rocky ridge and then curves southeast, winding gently along a forested bench and skirting a number of shallow gullies that have produced lush meadows, a mosquito haven during the wetter months. After a short descent and a ford of Maxson Lake’s outlet, the path meets the southeast-bound North Fork Kings River Trail (9140’) coming up on the left from Courtright Reservoir (a more heavily used trail into the headwaters of North Fork Kings River).

From this signed junction, continue east (straight ahead), leaving the open flats of the meadow. The hike climbs steadily up the southern slopes of the glacially polished, narrowing walls of the Kings River’s canyon, offering increasingly expansive views east-southeast toward Blackcap Basin. As the canyon narrows, the sounds of flowing water become more audible, and the path returns to the riverside. The gentle but steady ascent under the shade of a lodgepole pine forest traverses areas swept by avalanches, where vigorous willow thickets outcompete conifers. North Fork Kings River on your left (north)—sometimes near and sometimes far, sometimes meandering slowly through meadows and sometimes cascading past large granite slabs—contains a healthy population of golden, brook, and brown trout. Brisk and incredibly refreshing swimming holes scoured smooth by the crystalline river will rejuvenate weary hikers.