US Forest Service - Sequoia National Forest
Sequoia National Forest, Hume Lake Ranger District - Weaver Lake
Photos and Hiking Notes by Jeffrey S. Duneman, Wilderness Ranger, Hume Lake Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest
Big Meadows Trailhead allows for wonderful opportunities to explore the beautiful Jennie Lakes Wilderness.
Finally cleared of dozens of downed trees, this trail is in the best shape it’s been in years. It’s about 4.5-5 up and down miles from Weaver Lake heading east to the junction with the JO Pass Trail. The trail remains relatively flat until you descend into the valley where you will cross several streams (a great water source late in the Summer). After the streams you begin an ascent back up towards the JO Pass Trail junction with some spectacular views north, south and west into the JLW.
Leaving the lake, you hike through thick White and Red Fir forests, with Lodgepole Pines and some Mountain Pines as well. Once you start descending into the valley, there are some rock and water bar issues, with quite a few loose rocks and some washout on sections of the trail before and after the streams. But in general the trail is in good condition and one can now easily do the whole loop from Weaver to Jennie and back out. There are only 4 very old trees remaining down along the trail (all near the junction with JO Pass Trail), but all are easily bypassed with good user trails around them.
*NOTES: “How long will it take?! Is it a hard hike?!” Difficulty and time required depends on you, the hiker, and your condition. An experienced, strong hiker will cover 3-4 miles (or more!) an hour carrying a full pack, without stopping. Someone who doesn’t hike much (or walk much, for that matter) will cover 1-2 miles (or less!) an hour, without a big pack, with frequent stops. Know your abilities! Always carry water, always check weather conditions, always tell people where you are going, and always familiarize yourself with the area (real maps recommended, not GPS). Pay attention to your surroundings, and enjoy your wilderness!
*LEAVE NO TRACE: never leave trash or toilet paper behind! Pack it all in, pack it all out.
Sequoia National Forest, Hume Lake Ranger District - Weaver Lake
Photos and Hiking Notes by Jeffrey S. Duneman, Wilderness Ranger, Hume Lake Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest
Big Meadows Trailhead allows for wonderful opportunities to explore the beautiful Jennie Lakes Wilderness.
Finally cleared of dozens of downed trees, this trail is in the best shape it’s been in years. It’s about 4.5-5 up and down miles from Weaver Lake heading east to the junction with the JO Pass Trail. The trail remains relatively flat until you descend into the valley where you will cross several streams (a great water source late in the Summer). After the streams you begin an ascent back up towards the JO Pass Trail junction with some spectacular views north, south and west into the JLW.
Leaving the lake, you hike through thick White and Red Fir forests, with Lodgepole Pines and some Mountain Pines as well. Once you start descending into the valley, there are some rock and water bar issues, with quite a few loose rocks and some washout on sections of the trail before and after the streams. But in general the trail is in good condition and one can now easily do the whole loop from Weaver to Jennie and back out. There are only 4 very old trees remaining down along the trail (all near the junction with JO Pass Trail), but all are easily bypassed with good user trails around them.
*NOTES: “How long will it take?! Is it a hard hike?!” Difficulty and time required depends on you, the hiker, and your condition. An experienced, strong hiker will cover 3-4 miles (or more!) an hour carrying a full pack, without stopping. Someone who doesn’t hike much (or walk much, for that matter) will cover 1-2 miles (or less!) an hour, without a big pack, with frequent stops. Know your abilities! Always carry water, always check weather conditions, always tell people where you are going, and always familiarize yourself with the area (real maps recommended, not GPS). Pay attention to your surroundings, and enjoy your wilderness!
*LEAVE NO TRACE: never leave trash or toilet paper behind! Pack it all in, pack it all out.