Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
After the Duck Lake outlet crossing, begin mounting a series of rocky exposed
switchbacks. Mule trains are not uncommon here as they travel to the pack station at
Red's Meadow. Ignore a side trail to Duck Pass veering off to the left before reach-
ing the top of the saddle (10,460 feet), and follow signs to Purple Lake. Walk along a
sandy ridge, moderately shaded with pine trees, and enjoy sweeping views over Cas-
cade Valley to the snow-capped mountains beyond. Begin dropping toward Purple
Lake with manzanita lining the rocky path.
Purple Lake (9,928 feet) sits in an exquisite tree-lined cirque. There is great
camping here, although it's popular with stock horses and mule trains, so less private
than other areas. After skirting the lake on the southern shore, ignore a sign to Marsh
Lake and follow a subsequent JMT sign, crossing a wooden bridge over the lake's
outlet and begin climbing again. The switchbacks from Purple Lake are superbly
well engineered, albeit not effortless. The first bit is intermittently shaded, but then
there's a long exposed section that can be brutal in the hot sun. Reach a high point at
10,500 feet, for fabulous vistas and the whirring sound of dragonflies, before drop-
ping down moderately toward Lake Virginia (10,338 feet). The lake is dazzling, but
also very exposed and frequently quite windy; making it great for keeping the mos-
quitoes at bay but a bit chilly for swimming. There are some exposed campsites here.
Continuing on, the outlet can be difficult to cross, but well-placed rocks should guide
the way amid a field of vibrant Indian paintbrush.
Switchback up, skirting the lake's northeast shore, and continue past reddish
granite rocks tumbling toward the shore. Traverse a rather flat, sandy wash section
before beginning a dizzying descent toward Tully Hole (9,520 feet). Long, exposed,
vertigo-inducing zigzags lead to the meadow below with expansive views ever
present. At the bottom, follow rushing Fish Creek as it tumbles over rocks. There are
plenty of places to camp along here.
Ignore McGee Pass junction and continue following signs to Silver Pass. Cross
a steel footbridge to find more camping sites and the junction with the Cascade Val-
ley Trail. Continue straight and begin ascending up the shady path toward Silver
Pass. It's a long climb, continually along the creek, with lush wooded sections and
several creek fords. Water is plentiful, and the canyon is dark and moist with inter-
mittent campsites. The path steepens just below the upper rocky basin that cradles
Squaw Lake. Climb nicely cut granite stairs and enjoy marvelous backward views.
Squaw Lake (10,300 feet) sits nestled in a dramatic granite amphitheater. There are a
few scrubby pines amid the grass and a handful of exposed campsites with stellar
sunset views. Cross the lake's northwestern outlet to continue climbing. It's 1.5
miles and 600 feet of ascension from here to the top of Silver Pass.
