Flora Lake - Boundary Lake Route

Overview

This off-trail route heads over Kibbie Mountain to Flora, Spotted Fawn, Little Bear, and Boundary Lakes. Many areas are more rugged, but I find this area as beautiful as any in the Sierras. The route is not difficult, but it requires route finding, minor bushwhacking, and one very unpleasant 50 yards of pushing through the brush. <br><br>Even though it is at a relatively low elevation, this route is for late summer when the lakes are warm. Earlier, it may be swampy, with mosquitoes and a dangerous creek crossing. All lakes and creeks have solid granite bottoms, which means the creeks run dry in mid-summer, but every pond and lake stays relatively full and beautiful. <br><br>From just below the high point on the eastern Kibbie Lake Trail, head up a shallow rounded draw, staying south of the ridge. There used to be a trail here, but fires and lack of maintenance make it impossible to follow. Stay near the top of the ridge and find the easiest way to keep climbing towards the top of Kibbie Mountain. Just below the top, the easiest route is to cut around the south and east sides of the mountain until you find an easy way down to the lake west of Flora. I prefer the spectacular views seen by going over the top of the mountain and following the ridge until reaching a shallow pond north of Flora. Then head down the rocks to the west shore of Flora. <br><br>From Flora, follow Bartlett Creek, staying at the edge of the rocks and out of the brush as much as possible. Cross at the point where Bartlett Creek turns right and drops sharply to the canyon below. The crossing is over a wide stretch of smooth granite. When the creek is flowing, this would make for beautiful falls, but a very dangerous crossing.<br><br>From there, stay on the rocks and follow the canyon up. At one point, make a steep climb up the rocks and go to the left to follow a side canyon. Look for the least brushy place to cross and then for the easiest way to continue up towards Spotted Fawn. When you reach the lake, head around the south shore. On the

Trail Stats

Photos

Flora Lake.

Flora Lake.

West side of Kibbie Mountain, a forlorn place a few years after a fire.

West side of Kibbie Mountain, a forlorn place a few years after a fire.

Flora Lake.

Flora Lake.

Flora Lake.

Flora Lake.

Flora Lake.

Flora Lake.

Spotted Fawn Lake.

Spotted Fawn Lake.

Polished granite cliffs on route to Spotted Fawn Lake. Head up canyon to the right and then cut across to the top right side of picture.

Polished granite cliffs on route to Spotted Fawn Lake. Head up canyon to the right and then cut across to the top right side of picture.

Flora Lake from below Kibbie Mountain. Hike down the smooth granite to the lake, and then hike up the shallow canyon that goes across the left side of the picture towards Nance Peak.

Flora Lake from below Kibbie Mountain. Hike down the smooth granite to the lake, and then hike up the shallow canyon that goes across the left side of the picture towards Nance Peak.

Shallow, but a beautiful place to swim. Camp on south or northwest shores. The east side is tree-covered and swampy.

Shallow, but a beautiful place to swim. Camp on south or northwest shores. The east side is tree-covered and swampy.

Kaleidoscope: morning reflections in Flora Lake

Kaleidoscope: morning reflections in Flora Lake

South shore Spotted Fawn Lake. One of the must beautiful swimming holes that I have seen.

South shore Spotted Fawn Lake. One of the must beautiful swimming holes that I have seen.

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