Fourth of July Lake
Photos Maps Summary: On this hike pass by many lesser-known waterfalls and end at a great alpine lake in the Mokelumne Wilderness. This is not a very long hike, but it has quite a bit of elevation gain/loss. Therefore, take extra time and water than you normally would for this distance.Distance: 8.0 miles round-tripElevation Gain/Loss: 2,225' totalSeason: As soon as the Blue Lakes Road is open to when it closes (~mid-June to October)Fees & Permits: None for dayhikers. Wilderness permit is required for overnighters.Finding the Trailhead: 38.6408 N, 119.9547 W (just past the intersection of the Blue Lakes Rd and the Upper Blue Lake Campground Rd off of the campground road). To get to the trailhead turn onto the Blue Lakes Rd from CA-88 ~2.5 miles SW of the intersection with CA-89 and follow it for ~14.5 miles to the intersection with the Upper Blue Lake Campground Rd. Be sure to stop for views at Lower and Upper Blue Lakes (with the views at Upper Blue Lake being better in my opinion). At the trailhead there is a sign marking the start of the "Evergreen" trail.
The Hike: From the trailhead the trail we followed stays on the eastern side of the creek instead of crossing it as the USGS map tracks show. As we came upon another small creek to the right we took a few steps in the creek (on some rocks) before continuing up the hill on the eastern side of the main creek (trail not marked very well here). Continuing up to the shoulder (~0.7 miles) the trail then descends down to Summit City Creek where the trail crosses the creek ~1.2 miles from the trailhead. After a further ~0.1 miles the trail intersects with another trail coming in from the right that leads up to the Forestdale Divide. At about the 1.9 mile mark the trail comes near to a few viewpoints for the Summit City Creek waterfalls (see them here). However, travel at your own risk to view the waterfalls because of the steep cliff side. Near these viewpoints are some great views of the peaks (and a waterfall) above Devils Corral to the S and SW (including 9846' Deadwood Peak). As the trail continues to descend you reach a junction with another Forestdale Divide Trail coming in from the right at ~2.8 miles. About 200 feet later you come upon the Fourth of July Lake Trail to the right. Shortly after continuing on this trail the views open up all around you. As you climb the views get better and better. At ~3.75 miles there is side-view of the waterfall coming out of Fourth of July Lake. At ~4.0 miles you reach the eastern shore of Fourth of July Lake with a nice view of Upper Fourth of July Lake Falls across the lake. When we did this hike in early-August, 2011, there were wildflowers everywhere on the trail, especially along the climb up to the lake.
