Mount Washington (Plumas County, California)

Earlier in the summer, I hiked a few miles with one of the local meetup groups around the Lakes Basin area, which was very enjoyable. When the same group posted another hike in this area, but this time including a summit of Mount Washington, I decided to head that way. As is always the case with Deanna's group, there were a lot of - 29 hikers in total. We met just north of Reno and carpooled up to the Graeagle area. Since I had dinner plans and had to be back before others, I drove myself.

Arriving at the trail head at approximately 9 AM, our large group formed a circle and did quick introductions, as is Deanna's custom. It's a nice touch just to get people talking to each other, especially for newer members. Immediately after, she gave some basic directions and we were off on the trail. The entire group is made up of pretty strong hikers, but I tend to be at the front of the pack with a slightly (but only slightly) quick pace than most. 

Our first stop was a familiar site - a small waterfall along Jamison Creek, which our trail had been mostly following up the canyon. I was a little surprised that it still had as much water flowing as it did, but it was a welcomed site. We pause for a quick moment to take in the image and then continue on. 

Reaching the large lake known as Grass Lake, we get our first unobstructed views of our destination - Mount Washington, which rises approximately 7,800 above sea level. Not a giant mountain by any stretch, but one of the taller peaks in this general area. Our trail will take us around the back side. As we approach Wade Lake, the trail splits and we had to the left to make the 'V' path to the top. Almost immediately after the fork the trail starts climbing steeply and one we gain some of the elevation, we are rewarded with some magnificent views of Wade Lake, below us. The fall colors are just starting to come in and it makes for a nice shot.

The climb doesn't get any easier and we push our way uphill. A number of fallen trees remain on the trail and in some spots, we even encounter a little bit of snow, remnants of a early winter storm that passed through the area a week or so ago. Finally reaching the area just below the summit, we are forced to take a steep trail up the mountainside, be careful of good footing. Further up, the trail requires a short distance of rock-scrambling over some sharp and jagged boulders, but eventually we all make it up. 

Mountain tops are always a great spot to take a quick lunch, and so each of us breaks out whatever snacks we carried with us. After that climb, we've earned it. Taking in the views from the summit, we talk about various peaks we can see in the distance - Eureka Peak, Sierra Buttes, and others. It really is pleasant up here, but we have miles to go and as the group starts collecting their gear, we start making our way down. As the path, we took did not seem to me to be a very favorable way to return, I do a little bushwhacking, holding on to the sharp stones and young manzanita bushes. A couple of others follow my route, while others find different ways down, but eventually we all return to the trail.

Making our way back down the mountain, we head towards Wade Lake, which had visited on the last trip. In fact, we will end up visiting all of the lakes during this extended hike. As I wait for a few to get a view of the calm lake, I encounter a small dachshund running around the trail, presumable a pet to some of the campers we see nearby. He doesn't notice me at first, but as I greet him, I must have startled him and he looks at me with scared eyes and runs off towards his owner's tents. He was a cute little guy and I'm sorry to have startled him.

The group reforms and we make our way to the remaining two lakes that we visited on our last trip, Jamison and Rock. At each, the group stops to take in the beauty before heading back to the trail head. As Deanna had planned for us to do a potluck at the Brewer's Lair Brewery just outside of Graeagle, I think everyone is a little anxious for some good food and suds.

All in all, we put in just over 12 miles with a fair amount of steep uphill. It was a good work out and it's always great to spend time with this group, as it is full of truly good people. As I only have time for a single beer before heading back to Reno, I choose a Black IPA. It's tasty after a long hike. I say my goodbyes and wish the group a terrific picnic before jumping in the jeep and heading home.