CR2015: Lake McArthur and Odaray Highline

July 26th began overcast, but not particularly threatening. Joan and I decided to head for Lake McArthur, using the Big Larches trail for the first part of the approach.

In this photo we have emerged from the woods at left, and will be climbing a staircase-like trail at far right.

In a couple of minutes Joan spotted mountain goats on the flanks of Mount Schäffer (click to enlarge). We also caught up to a couple, Edith and Renee, whom we knew from this and earlier years. After chatting briefly they marched on ahead.

We tore ourselves away from goat-watching and continued, past the All Souls Prospect trail, and past Schäffer Lake. We took the meadow route to the junction with the Odaray Highline trail,

where there's a kiosk to sign in to limit the number of parties heading further on that trail. It almost always fills up early; however, today there was only one party. So far. We continued towards our original goal, McArthur.

Soon there was a decision to be made, because there are two trails to Lake McArthur, the Highline and the Low Level. Joan and I chose to make a loop, entering via the Highline and leaving via the Low Level. On the Highline the trail led through scree and boulders,

and there are a couple of high steps that might look intimidating at first, but even tykes can navigate them with a bit of help.

We followed the Highline,

 to the web of trails at the shores of Lake McArthur.

Both we and the family ahead of us lunched here.

A passing marmot caused the littlest to scream and run for Mom, but otherwise they appeared to be having a good time.

After our cookies were all gone, we wandered down to where the Low Level trail meets the lakeside. This year, the lake's waters were normal or a touch low,

in contrast to our 2012 visit.

On reaching the lip of the McArthur basin, the Low Level trail plunges.

This view is before reaching the low point of the Low Level trail. Hikers must regain some of the lost altitude to complete the loop.

Joan and I returned to the Odaray kiosk.

There were still remaining slots to visit the Odaray Highline today, and we decided to go. Soon we were hearing and seeing pikas and hoary marmots.

We reached the end of the Highline.

Beyond, the Odaray Prospect has been closed for decades in deference to the grizzly bears that favor it.

The way to continue would be the steep path up to Odaray Grandview, but there had been intermittent light sprinkles, and the clouds were thickening. We knew the wind would be fierce at the top. Joan and I had climbed the Grandview last year, so we decided to return the way we had come. Even without extending our hike to the Grandview, the scenery was wonderful.

This picture zooms across the valley to show the exposed switchbacks of the All Souls' Prospect trail.

We returned largely the way we had come, except we took the alternate route down to Schäffer Lake. Descending the Big Larches trail, we enjoyed an even better view of the mountain goats spotted in the morning.

There was a light rain for the last twenty minutes of the hike, but it didn't detract from another rewarding day at Lake O'Hara, and we looked forward to tomorrow. If the weather holds, perhaps we'll tackle Wiwaxy Gap.