Piute pass

Piute pass trail starts at the North lake parking lot. It is 11 miles and 2300 ft, out and back. It goes through forest along a stream before gaining elevation into a high valley of several lakes. There are a lot (about a 1000)  of high steps on this trail. The steps are the most distinguishing feature on this hike.

 This is the second stream crossing. It has a good foot log.

This is the first stream crossing. It has a foot log too, but it is not very level. The water was low enough to get across on rocks.

 After the hike through the woods we reached Loch Leven lake. The first lake in the valley. The pass can be seen in the distance. It is a very gentle grade to the pass, but there are the steps.

 Magenta paint brush.

 Alpine Gentian

 Sierra Gentian

 Large Monkey flower

 Large Monkey flower.

Red and white ridgeline along the trail. The end of this ridge is where the parking lot is.

 The final few steps at Piute pass.

 View of Summit lake from the pass

 Looking back at Piute lake and Loch Leven lake. And other un-named lakes.

 One of the un-named lakes surrounded by grasses.

 Red Heather

 Some of the 1000 steps.

 Kay gets credit for this photo because she saw it first and everyone just copied her. It is loch Leven lake.

Sticky Cinquefoil