Alice Lake - Redfish Lake Trail #092

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Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Starting just above Alice Lake and very near the end of Pettit Creek Trail #095 just before Twin Lakes, start your climb to the summit. Make sure to always look back at each summit to see it all. The trail drops down into Toxaway Lake but stays up off the shore. As you head around the north side of Toxaway Lake you'll need to make a left to stay on the trail or else you'll find yourself on Yellowbelly Trail #096 (if you miss the turn by accident or on purpose, you can take Edith Lake Trail #040 back up to rejoin the trail).

There are great camping spots directly below the junction of Yellowbelly Trail #096 complete with a sandy beach in late summer. From Toxaway Lake, work your way up to a saddle and the junction of South Fork Payette River Trail #452. Stay right and keep climbing up over the next ridge. The trail then drops down into a bowl with views of Edith Lake and Farley Lake below with Yellow Belly Lake out to the East. At the junction of Edith Lake Trail #040, stay left and hop on over the next saddle for great views of Imogen Lake. When you get you Imogene Lake, consider taking a detour on Imogene Lake Trail for some alternate views and access to the intermittent island in late summer.

The next 5 miles are easier going as you drop down into Hell Roaring Lake. At Hell Roaring Lake you'll find sandy beaches in late summer and wooded camping areas. At the end of the lake is the junction of Hell Roaring Trail #097, stay left and start climbing. Halfway up the worst climb of the entire trail, you'll come to the junction of Huckleberry Creek Trail #398, stay left and keep on slogging upward.

After cresting the ridge, pound those knees down the backside and across Decker Creek before the trail decides to behave properly again. Enjoy the last 5 miles of easy ups and downs as you traverse the east side of the range. The trail ends on the ridge overlooking Redfish Lake at a junction with Grand Mogul Trail #045 and Bull Moose Trail #399.