Big Pine Creek North Fork Hiking Trail, First and Second Lake

**MILEAGE/ELEVATION INFORMATION FROM USFS MAP**

Distances computed from Hiker Parking:
Hiker Parking Area: Mi- 0.0 El-7,750
Glacier Lodge: Mi-0.0 El-7,800
Cienega Mirth: Mi-3.0 El-9,200
First Lake: Mi-4.5 El-9,900
Second Lake: Mi- 4.8 El-10,000
Third Lake: Mi-5.5 El-10,400
Fourth Lake: Mi-6.5 El-10,750
Sixth Lake: Mi-8.0 El-11,100
Palisade Glacier: Mi-9.0 El-12,400
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We completed this trip Nov 9-11th 2017. The daytime temps ranged from 65F-70F, nighttime 26F-28F and windy.

Before hitting the trail head we stopped at the Bishop Ranger Station for our permit and rented 2 bear canisters. Canisters are required for this area and the ranger station rents them for $2.50/day. You can return them off after hours. Super easy!

The hike to First Lake is well established with lots of switch backs to ease the solid elevation gain. The trail follows or crosses lots of water sources along the way so you can filter water. We made it to a partially frozen Third Lake in about 6 hours (including lunch and view breaks). We set up base camp above third lake. Day two we hiked out to Sam Mack Meadow (about 2 hrs to the meadow), then climbed the boulders towards Palisade Glacier. On our last day we hiked from base camp (Third Lake) back down via Black Lake (also partially frozen). It took about 1.5 hours to reach the split between First and Black Lake. The trail from Black Lake to the split is relatively straight and steep with little shade, I would recommend taking this route downhill rather than up. The views of First and Second Lake from this trail are stunning.

Overall, great little end of season trip. Definitely bring lots of layers for this time of year as the weather gets chilly fast!