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, Pallisade Glacier

Download area map for trail names and locations.
To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org

At a Glance