Hike4Ward: Day 11. Aug 9: Piute Canyon to Evolution Lake. 10 Miles

Today I began a push to add about 3 miles to my daily plan. This will bring me to Bench Lake a day early to allow for a day off. Actually, yesterday helped a lot by moving as far south as possible within Piute Canyon. I must admit, last night was a horrible nights sleep. I think I pitched my tent too close to an old fire pit and the wind kept me in the smell of charcoal all night long. Lesson learned.

Today measured up to my expectations. Evolution Valley was a beautiful stretch of lush forest with Evolution Creek adding character and personality to this section. Before starting the climb up to Evolution Basin and Evolution Lake, I was fortunate enough to meet the resident forest ranger at McClure ranger station near its large namesake meadow.

McClure Meadow with The Hermit to the right

Earlier, at the west end of the Valley the JMT crosses Evolution Creek. This is an inescapable reality each hiker will deal with. For me, August 2013 proved to be a predictable non-event. But it leaves me in awe of the many hikers who crossed this spot in freezing, chest deep, fast moving waters just months before.

Evolution Lake was about 1,100' above Colby Meadow and the climb gave great views back down the valley and the higher I climbed, the more I could see the massive peaks that would shape the Basin ahead.

The Hermit

I set up camp in the rocky hills overlooking the lake and met some nice hikers who were also spending the night. I did some after dinner fishing which produced a few nice golden trout and a great view of a grand sunset.