October 19, 2012
Deer Lake Trail, Lakes Basin Recreation Area, Plumas County
Total distance walked: 7 miles
Every now and then, I am blessed with a day that stands out as one of my favorites. One such memorable day was the second day of an autumn camping trip with my youngest son, Andrew.
During a leisurely breakfast we decided to hike the Deer Lake trail.
Armed with two essentials—water and a camera—and a few other items in our daypack, we embarked on the 2 ½ mile, 1,000-foot ascent up the wooded and talus-covered slope to the lake.
As a brisk yet gentle breeze rustled through the trees, we could hear the soothing sound of the leaves. The colors in this area were breathtaking: warm oranges, bright yellows, burnished browns, and velvety maroons.
We crossed four tributaries of Packer Creek, two of which were dry. After an invigorating hike, we were rewarded with a stunning view of the craggy peaks of the Sierra Buttes.
Upon reaching Deer Lake at an elevation of 7,110 feet, Andrew started fishing. I took a moment to sit and absorb the beauty of the surroundings, gazing into the clear, rippling water.
As Andrew continued to cast his line from various spots, I took a leisurely one mile walk around the lake. This area would be perfect for backpacking for those willing to make the trek up the mountain with their gear.
When I returned, I found Andrew on the opposite side of the lake. Once he returned, we quickly retraced our steps downhill and made our way back to the car.
We drove to Lower Sardine Lake, situated at an elevation of 6,000 feet and home to a cozy mountain resort. Andrew wasted no time casting his line while I set the water to boil for our late noodle lunch. Famished from our strenuous hike, we quickly ate at a picnic table near the water with the wind blowing and the sun shining in our eyes.
As the afternoon faded, Andrew headed to the far side of Sardine Lake to fish, while I strolled over to the sand pond. As I walked, memories of picnicking and swimming with each of my children came flooding back. It was a sentimental journey along the one-mile interpretive loop.
Andrew and I reunited at the car within minutes of each other and concluded our day at Packer Lake. We had the place to ourselves, except for the quacking ducks gliding across the water. From the rocks, Andrew managed to catch and release four trout.
Perched on the rocks where I sat watching Andrew, a brightness caught my eye amidst the forest of green.
As I lay my head to rest that night, my heart sang with joy for the magnificence that God allowed me to encounter all day.
This autumn adventure is one I will cherish with fond memories: quality time spent with my son, the Sierra Buttes providing a stunning backdrop to every lake we visited, and the splendid fall colors enhancing an already picturesque landscape.
God is good. All the time. All the time God is good.
Hiking Yosemite and Beyond 
Wow! Stunning photos and great descriptions. There are so many beautiful areas down there to explore, thanks for sharing. Really makes me want to move south…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading it. We only touched the tip of the iceberg up there, there are lots of mining areas to explore.
LikeLike
Another great camping trip and terrific pictures and narration. I’m really glad you had a great time. Being able to spend alone time with you children is very special, especially in such a beautiful area.
Dad
LikeLike
Thanks, Dad. Andrew is always a willing partner. He even missed watching two Giants games, which you know is a huge deal to him.
LikeLike
I’m perishing of nostalgic envy, sitting down here on the California coast in a late morning fog. I love the simplicity and evocative nature of your prose, I admire your photographs. Our daughter’s in college now too, so we have to fight for times when we can all camp together. The Lakes Basin area lies deep in our best memories, full of color and grandeur. Thank you for this lovely post that reminds me of so much that is good.
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind words. 🙂
LikeLike
When I was young our whole family would camp at Sand Pond. Up above Sardine Lake was an old boy scout camp that we use to hike up to, although not sure it’s still there? Great story and terrific photos. bill
LikeLike
Bill, I didn’t see the Boy Scout camp up high, but on the road is a Girl Scout Camp. There’s also a new Christian Camp that wasn’t there the last time we visited. If we had more time I would have liked to have hiked to Upper Salmon Lake.
LikeLike
So many lovely photos. I particularly liked the red flowers (?) on the ground.
LikeLike
Thank you. The red was some sort of leafy grass that was so bright in the sun.
LikeLike
Thank you for this post. This is where my father and I spent many summers and that exact campground which unfortunately I think is closed now according to online maps. Many memories of doing the exact things you are doing with your son
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the comment, Nicholas. As far as I know, the campground is still open. My sons camped there two weekends ago. The only difference is now, you have to sign up on-line to reserve a spot during peak season. I hope you can make it back there one day.
LikeLike
Very nice story and great pictures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Connie.
LikeLike