Saxonia Lake
Starting at Packer Lake we followed a dirt road to Dugan Pond. There is a nice cabin built on the shore of the pond, but we stayed on the far side of the pond away from the cabin. The trail crossed the creek right at the outlet of the pond, and with the high water it was mid-calf to knee deep—a bit more than the kids could manage. Mark found a log across the creek, although it presented a bit of a challenge just to get down the bank to it. Since we don’t do logs, we took our boots off and waded the pond right at the outlet. It turned out to be a bit deeper than it looked, and despite rolled-up pant legs, we got a little wet. And, the water was freezing cold.
After the creek crossing, the trail began to climb and showed little signs of use. As we crested a ridge and Saxonia Lake came into view we came upon a wonderful, gently sloped snow bank—perfect for some snow play and tossing snow-balls at each other. The lake was down in a bowl and since it would have required some serious boulder hopping (the trail didn’t go down to the lake) we didn’t go any farther.
On the way back down the trail, we stayed on the uphill side of the pond and walked by the cabin (probably a good thing no one was home). The creek on the inlet side of the lake was more flat and marshy and we picked our way through the wet and muddy area with no more than slightly wet shoes.
At a trail junction below the pond, Karen and I split off and headed back up hill toward Tamarack Lakes. We followed a 4×4 track about half way there, until the amount of snow just discouraged us. We did get to see some great views of Sierra Buttes, and the trail does continue on past Tamarack Lakes to the summit of Sierra Buttes. I’d like to go back and do that hike to the summit.
My wife and I are staying at Packer Lake in a couple weeks (as we try to do most years). We like hiking and exploring the trails and lakes in the area (Sierra Buttes trail, Deer Lake trail, Long Lake trail, etc). Can you help us with some detail so we can explore Saxonia Lake please? Trailhead location, a trail map, some gps maybe? We aren’t the bets route-finders, that’s for sure? How obvious/maintained is the trail? Is there only one trail?
Thank you for your help!
Philip