Wow. Really, wow. No words can really say how beautiful these places are. I hope a few photos interspersed with words do it justice.
We left ~5 on Fri Aug 7 and made it to the campsite ~8. Just enough time to setup the tents and have a bite to eat. It's only 2.3 miles from the trailhead to Pamelia. Easy peasy.
Saturday we left Pamelia ~11am and made it to Hanks Lake ~1pm. The hike is moderate, not easy, not too, too hard. It's ~3 miles but well worth the effort. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. On the way there we crossed several streams (!!!)
And we got a couple of shots of Pamelia, open high meadows and Mt Jefferson
On the way there we saw a bobcat about 150 yds away. Crossing one of the rock slides. Cool.
Once there we scouted around, sat and stared in awe! We saw toads w/ orange bellies and spots *all over*. Wildflowers everywhere! What an amazing sights the sub-alpine zone provides!
I'd go back anytime! Here's a link to a few more pics at Picasa...