Sierra Buttes : A long time wish !

22nd August 2009

Two years ago I had read the article on Sierra Buttes when I was checking for interesting hikes around Lakes Basin Recreation Area. I climbed up Mt Elwell then but I couldn't go for Sierra Buttes hike. Disappointed, I saw them from far standing high to dominate the whole landscape around. And now I did it ! One more PEAK out of the list :)


When I saw meetup group has organized a camping meetup at Plumas-Eureka State Park I thought I could go for this hike. After few email exchanges, managed to get interested party to hike with and a carpool. Plan was to drive Saturday early morning from Bay Area, drive 5 hrs to the trailhead, hike and then reach the campground which is an hour drive from the Sierra Buttes trailhead. And so we 4 women (Dominique, Carina, Laura and me) started ! Thanks to Laura for driving safe both ways in her Honda Element.

We parked at the trailhead took some rest for few minutes. It was breezy in the hot afternoon. We started on Pacific Crest Trail. The trail is pretty easy. It goes steady uphill and flattens a bit before the final ascent. But, somehow we missed the way and hiked down towards (but not to) Tamarack Lakes and then climbed the steep uphill trail to reach the proper Sierra Buttes trail. That made our hike a bit strenuous :)


At a view point we have this view of Young America Lake and Tamarack Lakes. So very beautiful. After few pictures here we proceeded to reach the 4WD road to reach the base of the lookout.

At each switchback of this road there is a view point, the crags make best subjects for pictures.


The only wildflower at this time of year !


Base of the lookout and start of the steel ladders ! Nice experience to climb the partially hanging ladders while the wind is blowing !


The Upper and Lower Sardine Lakes from the lookout.


Happy, contended faces on the way down ... Laura, Carine and Dominique.