Trinity Alps: Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes, 4583' eg. 25 mi. 4 nts

Members of the Trinity Alps Facebook group highly recommend this out and back hike.

Check out the reviews here.

Of note: this trail is popular. Popular with local day hikers, salt-loving deer, a few rattlesnakes, bear sightings, and bugs. Sounds exciting huh?
The members of the Trinity Alps group recommend two things (neither is required): a bear canister, and a bug net. Now, they did say that come October, bears are less seen, the bugs are scarce, but the deer can be pesky. Any of you have the option of bringing a bear canister, an Ursack, or a food bag. You can also rent canisters here. They are available to rent at REI, and the National Park. Inquire on your own. Again, bear canisters are not required in this part of the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Many of the mentioned members say they've never had an incident, some use Bearvault BV425/450 canisters, and some just use a bear hang with a drybag, some use Ursacks. Most everyone, though, carries bear spray as a general precaution.

A camp stove and fire permit is required. We must pick that up in person at the Weaverville Ranger Station (530) 623-2121. It is located approximately 30 minutes south of our intended trailhead. If we bring down two vehicles, makes sense that one stays put at the trailhead while the other fetches the permit.

Reliable water sources along the entire hike.

It will take approximately 6 hours with a break to arrive at the trailhead from our designated rendezvous spot. I will need two drivers to volunteer their vehicles. Everyone hands their driver $15.

Same as last year, it's just too beautiful a hike. Perhaps I'll see a few new faces.

Itinerary:
Day One--depart Bend at 8:00 AM
Arrive Weaverville Ranger Station 3:30pm (closes at 4:30)
Arrive Stuart Fork Trailhead/Bridge Camp Campground ~ 4-4:30pm, Camp #1
Day two--8 miles to northern end of Morris Meadows, Camp #2 *1723' e.g.
Day three--4.6 miles to Emerald Lake, Camp #3 *1100' e.g.
There is a very steep scramble of 1 mile up to Sapphire Lake (optional)
Day four--6 miles to Alpine Lake TH intersection, Camp #4
Day five--Break camp early, 5 miles back to Trailhead/vehicles.

The end time (back in Bend) is approximate.