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DAY 4 (Devils Punchbowl to North Fork Kings River, 5.5 miles): From the north side of the lake, the trail heads south along the granite walls that dam the lake. Midway along the ridge, you can spy the small Jigger Lakes below and to the west. At the southwest corner of Devils Punchbowl, the trail makes several short switchbacks to gain a saddle before turning to the south and beginning a 2000-foot descent to North Fork Kings River.

The descent begins with a 200-foot sandy slope leading to lush meadows at the head of Meadow Brook. In the next mile, the path skirts the west side of the meadows, threading past lavender shooting star, purple Sierra gentian, and monkeyflower. The views from this section of trail are breathtaking: With the meadow in the foreground, you can see all the way to the far side of the North Fork Kings River drainage. Cattle may be run in this drainage; if present, they certainly detract from the natural beauty of the meadows. There are many idyllic spots to lunch and take in this meadow’s beautiful setting.