5.0 hr
Overview
The trail from the Glacier Lodge slowly climbs into the alpine. You start higher up on the hillside, and then after several miles the trail converges with the creek at a waterfall. Here, the trail takes you through a birch forest and past an old stone cabin.<br><br>You'll eventually come out of the forested area into an area several hundred feet above the lakes to the east. You'll also see the impressive Temple Crag on the other side of the lakes. Pass lakes 1, 2, and 3 and enjoy the views as each lake has something new to offer.
Trail Stats
12.5 km
1046 m
3417 m
2383 m
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Photos
Icicles remain along Big Pine Creek well into summer.
Icicles remain along Big Pine Creek well into summer.
Temple Crag and Big Pine Lakes Second Lake.
Temple Crag and Big Pine Lakes Second Lake.
Big Pine Creek flows strongly after the very wet 2016-2017 winter.
Big Pine Creek flows strongly after the very wet 2016-2017 winter.
Hiking up North Fork Big Pine Creek
Hiking up North Fork Big Pine Creek
Mountains to the north of Cienega Mirth, the place on the trail where actor Lon Chaney had a stone cabin built in 1929 (it's now owned by the USFS).
Mountains to the north of Cienega Mirth, the place on the trail where actor Lon Chaney had a stone cabin built in 1929 (it's now owned by the USFS).
Big Pine Lakes area, featuring the First Lake and Mount Alice.
Big Pine Lakes area, featuring the First Lake and Mount Alice.
Lodgepole pines and sage line the North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail.
Lodgepole pines and sage line the North Fork Big Pine Creek Trail.
Palisades from Big Pine Lakes Fourth Lake
Palisades from Big Pine Lakes Fourth Lake
Kid Mountain (~11,860 ft) is beautiful when viewed from near the Baker Creek Trail junction.
Kid Mountain (~11,860 ft) is beautiful when viewed from near the Baker Creek Trail junction.
Kid Mountain (~11,860 ft) stands across the valley as the trail ascends to the Baker Creek Trail junction.
Kid Mountain (~11,860 ft) stands across the valley as the trail ascends to the Baker Creek Trail junction.
Mount Alice and Temple Crag.
Mount Alice and Temple Crag.
Temple Crag sunrise.
Temple Crag sunrise.
Norman Clyde Peak over autumn woods
Norman Clyde Peak over autumn woods
Temple Crag.
Temple Crag.