Things to do in Northern California?

[Sigarms]

Thanks for the response guys. I hate to say this, but for a long time, I really never took the time to look at the lattitude of most major cities. For some dumb reason, in my mind, San Fran was about north as say New York, but in reality it's more closer to Richmond Virginia. Add the mountains located in the San Fran area, added the sea level cities going west in California (such as my comment about the warmth in Fresno), I can now see and comprehend why there seems to be so many micro climeates in the state of California.

One thing I did notice on the shorline of Half Moon Bay (surprisingly) is I had to try out the water. For August, I got sticker shock with it being so cold. I see why surfers are wearing wetsuits in August in that area.

 

[plowhog]

Have to ask, what is this place below on 4 north of Alpine lake?

That is a pair of lakes called Mosquito Lakes. Actually I think they are more pond size than a lake, but that is the name. I have fished and caught trout there.

The cabin is an old forest service property that is now on a private 99-year lease. There are a number of such cabins all around California mountain regions.

 

[plowhog]

The third time over Ebbetts pass was a breeze driving and actually like a regular drive. Had my son take this one on one of the curves.

I know that exact curve. Very steep terrain and no guard rails.

I love driving Ebbetts Pass. I'm glad you did it multiple times. I drove a 34 ft diesel motorhome over the pass one time. Was quite an experience. Especially when I met up with an opposite direction 1 ton dually truck pulling a 35 ft livestock trailer .... got interesting.

 

[Sigarms]

That is a pair of lakes called Mosquito Lakes. Actually I think they are more pond size than a lake, but that is the name. I have fished and caught trout there.

The cabin is an old forest service property that is now on a private 99-year lease. There are a number of such cabins all around California mountain regions.

No, you're right, it is more of a pond.

Like my very first trip to Utah a very long time ago, there were a lot of "side roads" that we didn't take due to time constraints.

Going past Mosquito lakes towards Alpine lake on the 4, there was a road to the left that I think went to another lake?

I know going from Angels Camp to Nevada should only take about 3 hours on 88, but if you really want to see stuff and not just drive by looking at it from your car window, you really need to plan more time.

On Sonoroa pass I was behind a guy with a ATV in his truck. He took a side gravel road up a hill. Assume they allow off road vehicles on trails up there? When we were on Sonora pass, also noticed all the Marines training.

 

[plowhog]

Going past Mosquito lakes towards Alpine lake on the 4, there was a road to the left that I think went to another lake?

That road goes to Highland Lakes. The road sort-of follows along the Mokelumne river which is something between a creek and a river depending on elevation and time of the year.

Highland lakes is a pair of lakes, sort of in a bowl with mountains on most sides. Developed sites for camping exist at one lake-- absolutely beautiful. At night you can see an awesome display of stars as there is no light pollution from anywhere. Good trout fishing for brook trout.

I would visit more often but it is a long dirt road with washboard. Rearranges the cabinet contents if you are pulling a trailer.

 

[plowhog]

On Sonoroa pass I was behind a guy with a ATV in his truck. He took a side gravel road up a hill. Assume they allow off road vehicles on trails up there? When we were on Sonora pass, also noticed all the Marines training.

ATV use is very common. Many developed roads and trails are open to ATV's.

The Marines you saw were at "MWTC". That is their Mountain Warfare Training Center. It was a beehive of activity during the war in Afghanistan, since it offered a training platform similar to the mountainous terrain there.

 

[Sigarms]

I know that exact curve. Very steep terrain and no guard rails.

I love driving Ebbetts Pass. I'm glad you did it multiple times. I drove a 34 ft diesel motorhome over the pass one time. Was quite an experience. Especially when I met up with an opposite direction 1 ton dually truck pulling a 35 ft livestock trailer .... got interesting.

Like I said, the third time was a lot easier than the FIRST time, almost like a normal drive and I honestly don't think my heart rate ever spiked

I did NOT want to be the idiot out of state driver who made the news

After our last day hiking the south trail at Caleveras big tree park, I really wanted to go for a swim at Alpine lake, as the day before I saw a guy swiming there. I told my wife the water would probably be like swimming at her old pond in Vermont in August. Time was getting late though and we still had to drive back to Sacramento.

Now that we have a better idea of the area, our next trip will have a more precise direction. Overall though, perfect vacation seeing both the coast and the some of the mountains.

 

[Sigarms]

ATV use is very common. Many developed roads and trails are open to ATV's.

The Marines you saw were at "MWTC". That is their Mountain Warfare Training Center. It was a beehive of activity during the war in Afghanistan, since it offered a training platform similar to the mountainous terrain there.

I took this pic when I was up there Like I said, will need to go back to check out more of the area.

Off roads and off roading up there must be fabulous. Just hope people take responsibility and don't trash up areas. I just know even in the 90's when I did a lot of kayaking in Idaho, out in the middle of nowhere off a dirt road or trail, people partying leaving beer bottles and trash all over the place (I was surprised because I expected that crap on the east coast, but not in the "real" mountains out west). Blew my mind. Pack it in, pack it out...

 

[plowhog]

Just hope people take responsibility and don't trash up areas.

Spent a great deal of time in the CA backcountry. Almost never see trash or litter.

Had a once in a lifetime experience at Alpine Lake. Was on the wooden dock, just before dusk, fishing with a friend. An osprey hit the water and caught a trout in its talons. A nearby bald eagle came to protect its territory and the fight was on. Similar to a military fighter dogfight except with large birds. The eagle was chasing the osprey, all sorts of twists, turns, and evasive maneuvers. Both flew right over our heads. The whump-whump-whump sound of wings flapping was incredible.

The osprey dropped the fish, fleeing just barely above the water with the eagle chasing. Once the osprey made shoreline the eagle pulled up and flew back to perch on its nest in a tree across the lake.