The hike to Eagle Lake was filled with beautiful scenery, a gorgeous lake, and surprising missed encounters. The hike begins at 7850' in the Eagle-Mosquito parking area in Mineral King. When you leave the parking area you will head up the west slope of the valley passing juniper and red fir along the way. At approximately one mile you will reach the trail junction for White Chief Lake, continue on the trail to your right upward to Eagle Lake. You are now at ~8400'. Take a deep breath and down some water for the climb continues on. The trail will level off a bit around 8900' and passes through an interesting area where Eagle Creek disappears into a sinkhole comprised of marble and where we spotted several sun bathing marmots. Curiously, we also came upon a recently sprayed tree that was still dripping, up to eight feet, probably a mountain lion marking his territory. A very pungent odor. Red fir and lodgepole pine abound. At approximately two miles you will come to the Mosquito Creek trail junction. Whew! You are now at 9100'. No way, there is still more to climb. In a short while you will traverse a large talus slope of white granite eventually emerging at Eagle Lake (10,000'!) When you approach the lake you will notice a dam of all things. Go figure. Built in 1905 by the Mt. Whitney Power Company it seems strangely out of place.

If you really feel adventuresome, take an alternate route back by making your way to Mosquito Lake northwest of Eagle Lake. I will leave that exploration to you.