West Lake & Par Value Lakes

Photos Maps

Summary: This is another great hike in the eastern Sierra with a good amount of elevation gain/loss. The Hoover Wilderness is an exceptionally scenic area and offers tons of backpacking options. The lakes in this section of the Hoover Wilderness are especially pretty. A nice day as short as ~6.0 miles will get you to Green Lake and back. Or you could extend your hike as much as you desire with Yosemite National Park next door. Green Lake requires a short side-trip from the route described here. See our Virginia Lakes to Green Creek hike to get an idea of some of the other attractions nearby. The trail to the Par Value Lakes is not continuous, but there is a use-trail for most of the distance from West Lake.Distance: 9.7 miles round-tripElevation Gain/Loss: 2,470' totalSeason: July through OctoberFees & Permits: Overnighters need to pick up a wilderness permit from the Bridgeport Ranger Station (760-932-7070) in advance (limited number given out).Finding the Trailhead: 38.11222 N, 119.27542 W (Green Creek Trailhead). Drive to the Green Creek Trailhead south of Bridgeport by following the Green Creek Road (~11.7 miles south of US-395/CA-182 intersection) southwest from US-395 for ~8.0 miles. Turn right into the trailhead parking area. The trail begins off of the western end of the parking area.

The Hike: From the parking lot, walk southwest through the trees made up mostly of Jeffrey Pines. At ~0.6 miles the trail intersects with the road and follows it for ~0.25 miles. Notice on our topo map that the trail is different than the USGS marked trail. There are some aspens near the creek to add some color to the hike in autumn. There are also some nice views up the canyon here. In the middle of summer, this may be a particularly hot section of the trail. The trail leaves the road, crosses over a small creek, climbs for a short period, and then mostly levels out as it approaches some switchbacks. The base of these switchbacks is reached at ~1.3 miles when the trail is very near Green Creek. These switchbacks are only ~0.15 miles in length, but gain ~160'. From here the trail heads west and then parallels the creek while passing over several lush springs before moving away from the creek. As the trail climbs higher, the trees begin to thin and give way to sage and views open up down the canyon. At ~2.75 miles the trail splits in two. The left trail leads to a crossing over West Fork Green Creek just below Green Lake and further to East Lake and beyond. The right trail leads to West Lake. Staying right here, the trail enters into some trees before climbing to a great view of Green Lake above the northern shore. At ~2.95 miles a trail leading down to the northern shore of Green Lake splits off to the left. Stay right again and continue climbing up toward West Lake. As you climb be sure to catch your breath and enjoy the views over Green Lake. At ~3.8 miles there is a particularly good view just off the trail to the east (where the trail turns to the west just before descending to the pond below West Lake). At ~3.9 miles the pond below West Lake is reached. The USGS topo map suggests to follow the southern shore of this pond, but we found that it was easier to follow a trail on the northern shore (pond level was pretty low). At ~4.1 miles you'll reach the eastern shore of West Lake just after crossing over the outlet. To continue to the Par Value Lakes, pick up the trail to the southwest and follow it as it parallels the lake shore. At ~4.3 miles the trail virtually disappears and you'll have to make your way the best you can to the west. After a short distance, I began to climb up to the southwest (avoid vertical climbs) before I found the unmaintained trail again (~4.5 miles) east of the small canyon that it leads up. If you have trouble locating the trail here, aim for the first small canyon on the western shoulder of the peak directly south of West Lake (the top of this small canyon is the saddle shown on the topo map). You'll now be over 10,000'. Follow the trail as it steeply climbs up the small canyon over loose rocks. The saddle at the top of this small canyon is reached at ~4.7 miles. There are really nice views looking back down at West Lake as you climb. Once over the saddle follow the trail (or make your way southwest) down to the Lower (and largest) Par Value Lake (~4.85 miles).