We had a big turn out of 13 hikers for one of our favorite hikes. I gave the option for the group to split up and stay at the lakes or go to the summit. We decided to do a shuttle from the Park's Creek Trailhead, to the summit and down to Deadfall Meadow Trailhead.

As we started out at 9:50 AM, the temperature was already 79° but we had a slight breeze and no smoke. We made our way along the trail and encountered several PCT hikers from various states and countries. Many of the wildflowers we usually see were already past their bloom time, but the Lyall's Angelica was in abundance. We also saw Tower Delphiniums and Corn Lily plants blooming.

After 3 miles along the PCT with the least of the elevation complete, we turned onto the Deadfall Lakes Trail. We continued along and then took a snack break before we made the big climb to the upper Deadfall Lakes. It was nice to see a few of the deep blue Gentian in bloom. We continued around and parted ways with June, Leslie, Liz, and Sherry. Bob continued up to the Saddle then returned down to swim. From there Michael, Barry, Scott, Karen Marilyn, Nanci Mark, and I continued to the summit. I pointed out the FoxTail Pine which is a rare high-elevation pine that is endemic to California. It is closely related to the Great Basin and Rocky Mountain Bristlecone pines.

The day was getting warmer and we had little shade as we made our way to the top. It was the first time for Karen and Mark to be on the summit. We had a long lunch and enjoyed the fresh air. We could see the smoke from the Park fire in the distance.

We headed back down and communicated with the others that we were on the way. We met up with the ladies and June said she had enjoyed a swim in the upper lake. Leslie took note of the birds and Liz spotted more flowers and Sherry enjoyed the sunshine. We continued down and connected up with Bob at the PCT junction. He had been swimming in the largest Middle Deadfall lake.

We took the Deadfall Lakes Trail all the way down to Deadfall Meadow. We were very happy to see that trail work had been done and large flat rocks had been placed in the streams so it was easy to cross. Also, there are 2 new bridges that have been built to keep you out of the wet muddy areas.

We got back to the cars around 3:30 PM and shuttled back to the upper trailhead. We had hiked 9.57 miles and gained a little more than 2,200 feet in elevation.