Circle the Cirque Crest

We stayed around camp for most of the morning taking photos and relaxing as we knew that we had a pretty easy day hiking to Paradise Valley.

Today's hike would follow the JMT along Wood's Creek to the cut off to Rae Lakes where we would leave the JMT and continue down Wood's Creek to the junction of the South Fork King's River. Now that we were back on an established trail, we took time to talk with other hikers we met along the way, which both of us enjoy doing.

We took our lunch break at the Rae Lakes trail junction where the "Golden Gate Bridge of the JMT" crosses the creek. This is a popular rest point for hikers and we spent a nice time visiting with them. Upon learning that Brian worked part time with REI, one group prevailed upon him to fix a trekking pole and take a look at their water filter. He graciously did not charge them for this service.

We camped at lower Paradise Valley and were surprised that only one other party was camping in the area. We had met some rangers earlier in the day and they said that after Labor Day the crowds really thin out.


Woods Creek Falls	Woods Creek	Woods Creek	Golden Gate Bridge	Golden Gate Bridge	Lunch Break


Castle Domes