GEM LAKE VIA RUSH CREEK TRAIL-Level 2+

The organizers have never hiked this trail so need your patience. If anyone is familiar with this trail and would like to help out please message the organizers.

You can turn around anytime you’d like but try to stay with another hiker as then you will be on your own. NO LEADER OR SWEEP ON THIS HIKE.

You can also do this hike on your own any day of the week.

PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS HIKE UNTIL YOU HAVE A PLACE TO STAY.

This is a popular hike in the June Lake area. EXPECT FABULOUS VIEWS. It’s not an easy hike 8 ( or 10 miles depending on how far we go ) and 2200 feet elevation gain. This hike offers a close up view of Carson Peak, access to Agnew and Gem Lakes and gives you a sneak peak of the High Sierras. If you can’t finish the entire trail, go as far as you’d like and you can still enjoy a great panoramic view of the June Lake area. The trail starts near the parking area. For the first 0.35 miles, the trail is essentially flat, with Silver Lake Resort to your left. Soon, the trail begins a steady climb parallel to the June Lake Road. In another mile, with a few small switchbacks, you'll arrive at a rocky area and get your first glimpse of the cascading waterfall of Rush Creek. This is a good place to look back and enjoy a panoramic view of the June Lake area.
Following the trail, you begin a series of steep switchbacks, each getting longer. Finally, at around mile 2.5, the grade eases, and you'll reach the end of the switchbacks and the edge of Agnew Lake. We will stay on the main trail and continue our climb.
At around the 4-mile mark, you reach a rock outcrop and a beautiful view of Gem Lake below. This is a good spot for a break. We can continue on the trail around the lake for another mile or so.
There are several rugged and steep sections on this trail.
Check out this YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/APleW48nCjk?si=NZ8_cmbOgM3ZOVj-

ELEVATION IS 7200 FEET TO 9200 FEET.

Hike Stats:
Distance : 8-10 miles RT
Elevation Gain: about 2200 feet
Hike Time: about 6-7 hours
Difficulty: moderate to strenuous
Trail Condition: steep and very rugged in sections
General Rating/Difficulty: Level 3 (Moderate Pace) for distance, elevation gain and strenuous
Click RATING TABLE to learn more about hike levels
[https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating](https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating)

DIRECTIONS:
We meet in the parking lot located across the street from the Silver Lake campground on rt 158. We’ve attached a few photos but if you Google map Rush Creek Trailhead it will take you there. If the lot is full you will have to park along the road.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FzUCc9TCgep3d3sq6?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

REMINDER: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings
***Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, mountain lions, coyote, snake bites or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike ***
> YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
> YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY