Wild and Free

Lake Aloha

DESOLATION WILDERNESS

Desolation Wilderness has always captured my imagination and after getting my feet wet

hiking parts of it to Lake Genevieve and Crag Lake, then later to summit Mount Tallac, I knew

it was time to reach into the back pocket where I've stowed away dreams of hiking to a mystical

and remote place called Lake Aloha. What makes Aloha extraordinary is that it is a huge alpine

lake with many islets scattered around. Mountains surround it, but not thick dense forests.

This is a totally brave thing to say because I usually don't box things up in "favorites",

but Lake Aloha may be one of my most favorite hikes of all time.

In relative terms, Lake Aloha was pretty easy to get to. Although it is a 13-mile round trip hike from

Lower Echo Lake, there are ways to short-circuit it by taking a water taxi and reducing the distance

by 2.5 miles. The trail is plenty challenging though, especially since the trail going up is very rocky,

but it is scenic as you pass beautiful views of five lakes on the trail (which at times overlap with the

PCT/Pacific Crest Trail). Elevation-wise, my GPS says 2,800' total elevation which I am confused

by because most sites only say 1,300'. The trail is partly shaded but also partly exposed, so

I would be diligent with the sunscreen application. I noticed a fair number of kids on the

trail so it would be safe to say that while long, this hike should be doable by most people.

I mean, if little children can do it, grownups should be able to do so, too, right?

Lake Aloha

Lake Aloha

After two or so hours of hiking, we arrive at Lake Aloha and it was immediately breathtaking.

Here it was - a wide endless space, a deep alpine lake high up on 8,000 feet undisturbed, a

silent observer as it has been for thousands, perhaps even millions of years. It was arresting

visually as it was audibly. It was unbelievably quiet as though the sound of silence was

blaring through loud speakers, only occasionally broken by birds squealing or a plane

flying overhead. Otherwise, it was dead silent as though my ears were shut tight by

the best noise-cancelling headphones money can buy. And what this does is your

visual sense and sense of appreciation exponentially grows. I perched on a rock

and enjoyed my sandwich, wishing at that time my life had a pause button so I could just stay in this place for, like, ever.

IF YOU GO

The trailhead starts at Lower Echo Lake. Plan on arriving early. Parking is super limited.

Bring lots of water and a water filter, if you have one. I drank all 3 liters of water I packed

and I should have filled my water filter at Aloha or Lake of the Woods, but didn't. I ran out

with about a mile to go.

If you want to get in the water, remember to pack a swimsuit. If you plan on getting in

the water, please consider using biodegradable sunscreen to limit your impact on the ecosystem.

If you bring dogs, it might be a good idea for them to wear those booties for the

rocky and hot part of the hike.

Like I mentioned before, there is a water taxi at Upper Echo Lake to shorten your hike back

by 2.5 miles if you need it, especially if you were backpacking and have heavy packs.

Permits are required, even for day hikers. Fill out one at the trailhead. Overnight backpackers need to obtain permits in advance. See here for more info.

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#hiking #renotahoe #adventure