Mark Nakamura

Mark Nakamura

Rae Lakes Loop

08/18/18

I just finished the hike in three days. Okay, four. I took a rest day at Rae's Lake. I was able to get a walk-in permit to do the look at 1:00 p.m. I asked the ranger if I could start that afternoon and it was okay. I left around 2:00 p.m. and made it to Upper Paradise Valley by dusk. I was so exhausted, I set up camp, ate a little and went to bed. The next morning, I woke at dusk, crossed the river (only about 15 minutes deep) and made it to the junction of the John Muir Trail and the Lakes Loop. I crossed the suspension bridge, and made it five more miles to the lower Rae Lakes. The next morning, I packed up and went to the upper Rae Lake and camped. On the fourth day, I woke up at dusk, packed, ate, and hiked the two miles over Glen Pass. I'm glad I did it in the cool of the morning. What a view! I decided to hike out that day. I was completely exhausted by hiking over 20 miles that last day. I should have stayed at Junction Meadow. Bring some electrolyte to rehydrate yourself. I didn't allow myself to acclimate to the altitude. I should have just gone to Middle or Lower Paradise Valley. Second day I should have stopped at the junction with the JMT. Third day I should have hiked to Rae Lakes. Fourth day, hike over Glen Pass and stop at Junction Meadow. Fifth day, I should have hiked out.

5.0