Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail
Going to the popular First Lake through Seventh Lakes up the canyon north of Mount Sill, this trail also offers views of Temple Crag and the Palisade Glacier.
Day hikers may start on the trail past First Falls where the trail is in the shade of Jeffrey pine and aspen. The trail from the backpackers overnight parking lot follows a sunny slope to enter the North Fork canyon above First Falls. Crossing sage and Manzanita covered slopes the trail enters the wilderness boundary near Second Falls. As the trail climbs past the chain of Big Pine Lakes there are many opportunities to observe the affects of glacial activity, such as cirques, glaciated granite and glacial erratic. A side trail loops to Black Lake, offering views of glaciers and the Sierra Crest before rejoining the main trail near Fourth Lake.
Common Destinations: First through Seventh Lakes, Sam Mack Meadow, Palisade Glacier
Download area map for trail names and locations.
To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org
Specific Trail Information
Trail Type
General Information
- Wilderness permits are required year round for overnight trips.
- Day use does not require a permit.
- May 1 through November 1 quota limits overnight visitors to 25 people per day.
Water from creeks, lakes and springs should be treated before drinking.
- No campfires
- Food, trash and scented items must be stored in bear proof containers or counter balanced.
- Groups cannot be larger than 15 people (includes day use)
- John Muir Wilderness regulations.
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness regulations apply if entering the park. (Dusy Basin / Palisade Basin areas)
Getting There
Directions
From Big Pine go west on Crocker Ave. which becomes Glacier Lodge Rd. and follow to the end of the road. Alternate trail start point at the pack station and large paved backpackers parking lot. Day use parking is near Glacier Lodge, at end of the road.
