Days 1 and 2: Bear Ridge to Upper Bear Creek

Bear Ridge trailhead, elevation 7665 feet, near Lake Edison deep in the Sierras.

Normally dry creeks are flowing well after an unusually wet winter.

One of several steep sections on our way to 9880 feet, a gain of over 2200 feet in less than six miles.

By mid-afternoon we begin our descent from Bear Ridge down to Bear Creek.

Expansive views towards the south, including Mt. Senger in the distance (above Selden Pass) and Seven Gables.

Far more water than we expected on this typically dry trail.

After dropping to 9000 feet, we hike up Bear Creek until settling into this comfortable campsite.

We follow Bear Creek the next morning.

Hilgard Creek near the Lake Italy trail, where we make a wet crossing in about three feet of water.

Small meadow as we near the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail crossing of upper Bear Creek, where we stop for the night.