Five Lakes Creek Trail to Diamond Crossing

No bikes or motorized vehicles. This pleasant trail drops gradually down through the wide, glaciated valley and rapidly away from the crowds in Five Lakes basin. Camping is permitted near restored Basque Whisky Creek cabins and makes a great layover. But camping is not allowed within 250' of the culturally significant structures. Stop, enjoy, and appreciate the stark lifestyle of the Basque sheepherders, alone, and so far from their homeland. But do not use structures or oven. The trail continues downstream (south) through pristine meadows rimmed in by dark forests with the Sierra Crest hulking over one shoulder and the backbone of the Wilderness on the other. Pleasant campsites can be found all along Five Lakes Creek and especially at Diamond Crossing. Fishing: Brook trout are smallish but plentiful in Five Lakes Creek -- with luck, fresh supper will be only minutes from the stream. Big Springs Loop Trail: 1.0 mile, elevations: 6380'-6580'. This alternative trail is shown on the map but is not labeled. To locate it see Big Springs on the map. The little bypass offers a gentle and short alternative either coming or going to Diamond Crossing. Bear Pen Trail: 2.7 miles, challenging, elevations: 6100'-7420', 2 hours. You can use the Bear Pen climb to work up an appetite if you’re camping at Diamond Crossing. It’s a good place for solitude -- except during hunting season.

To Five Lakes Creek Trail to Diamond Crossing

Topographic maps: Granite Chief, Wentworth Springs. From the north -- see Five Lakes Trail. Continue downstream from the Five Lakes basin, then follow a short segment of the Pacific Crest Trail to the Whiskey Creek Camp and the Five Lakes Creek Trail intersection. Turn left (southwest) and follow 0.25 mile to Whiskey Camp. From the south -- via Powderhorn Creek Trail. There are a couple of shuttle options via links to Powderhorn Creek and Barker Pass or Hell Hole Reservoir. The latter one would use up most of a day.

Communities

• Tahoe City
• Truckee