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Latest Report

Barrett Lake
Sept 11-15

Trailmaster Agenda: Swamp Lake

Swamp Lake - June 3-6, 2003

-- If you're looking for action, this is your road. A ball-bearing hillclimb, narrow ledges, rocks and boulders - this trail has it all, and some great fishing along the way. Rated for short wheel base vehicles, experienced drivers only...
I hope you are all planning to attend the Swamp Lake run. As this is a new trail for us, expect the unexpected. In fact just finding the trailhead could be a challenge. The weather should be just about perfect and the vistas awesome. Plan on spending about 8 hours on the trail on Friday, so pack a lunch and a folding chair or two. I've been told that the fishing is pretty good. So, if you have a fishing license, don't forget to bring your pole. On Saturday we can either explore some of the other nearby trails or take a short road trip to the north end of Dusy and do a little crawling, maybe to Lakecamp or Ershim Lake.

Everyone needs a home, even when we're away from home. Dinkey Creek campground seems to be a very nice home - large sites, water, flush toilets, and showers (bring quarters). Since we won't have reservations be prepared for an alternate plan. A few miles up a nearby gravel road there's a nice wide spot, or so I've been told, that will accommodate a large group, including motorhomes. For those of us who are motorhomeless be prepared for dry camping. By the way, reservations at Dinkey Creek are $19 per night. I don't know if the take-your-chances nightly fee is different. Wide spot' camping is free.

LOCATION: Swamp Lake OHV Route off of HWY 168, Sierras

There are two ways in to Swamp: either through Exchequer Meadow or Willow Meadow west of Dinkey Creek. The Willow Meadow route is 11 miles long, and only short wheel base vehicles can get very far on this trail.

Taking the route from Exchequer Meadow is 7 miles, passes Hatch, Mud and Grouse Lakes, and while it is rated for short wheel base only, a good sport utility with a good driver can make it to Mud lake.

CAMPGROUND NAME: Dispersed camping is available, but camps must be more than 100 feet from water or meadows. Campfire permits are required.
COST PER NIGHT: $19 for Dinky Creek, road-side is free
FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR: Dry camping (no water or facilities)
TYPE AND DIFFICULTY OF TERRAIN: Difficult, Rated for short wheel base vehicles, experienced drivers only.
GOOD FOR VEHICHLE TYPE: 4x4 vehicles with lift, aggressive tires
SPECIAL SUPPLIES NEEDED, IF ANY: Tow ropes, tools, and spare parts are always a good idea.
TIME OF DEPARTURE: Thursday 7/3/03 8:00am
DEPARTURE LOCATION: Depart from Scotts Valley Safeway parking lot
COMMENTS: Visit the 4x4Wire website for Central Sierra Trails, or Swamp Lake Info, or info at Cruiser Pages
TRAILMASTER: Steve Prinz
ADDITIONAL INFO: For more information and detailed maps of the Sierra National Forest, contact:
Sierra National Forest
600 Tollhouse Road
Clovis, California 93611-0532
Telephone: (559)297-0706
Trailmaster Trip Info (word doc)



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