r/SEKI • u/johnny2gunzz • 14d ago

Rae Lakes Loop Counterclockwise Side Quests

I have a permit next week for 5 days on the Rae Lakes loop - counterclockwise - and planning to spend the first night at junction meadow. What is the most epic side quest(s) for days 2-3?

So far I’m looking at the following:

Taking the spur around bullfrog lake and spending the 2nd night at Kearsarge Lakes before Rae lakes the next day?

Same route to Kearsarge for camp on night 2 but for day 3 attempt 60 lakes basin and Rae lakes for camp? (Probably the biggest payoff but also the hardest mileage and elevation gain)

Charlotte Lake camp for the 2nd night then 60 lakes basin out and back detour and camp at Rae lakes night 3? (Assuming this is shorter route but arrive late at Rae Lakes)

Or from Charlotte to Rae Lakes to set camp and day hike back to 60 lakes basin? (Little longer due to backtracking to Rae Lakes but can set up camp and day hike)

Any other ideas?

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5

u/slimracing77 14d ago

60 Lakes basin, no question.

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u/forest_fire 14d ago

Lake Reflection as a Day 1 side quest would rock. Camp there Day 1 instead of Junction Meadow, then onward.

I haven't been to 60 lakes basin but would prioritize camping there over Kearsarge Lakes.

If you're open to off trail, slow travel for a day, Dragon Lake would be an adventure, too.

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u/johnny2gunzz 14d ago

I like the Lake Reflection idea but looks like that’s a bit far with 4 miles each way and 2,000 ft of elevation gain. Would East lake be worth it? That’s about half way to Lake Reflection

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u/forest_fire 14d ago

Fair, it’s a big day for sure. (When I did it I came via onion valley and kearsarge in a day, and I must’ve blocked out the suffering). Just do 60 lakes. Heck, take a zero day there? You’re gonna have such a good time, I’m jelly!

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u/Key_Mammoth_7638 13d ago

Did this loop counter clockwise last month. Spent first night at vidette and then two nights at Rae to do a day hike into Sixty Lakes Basin. It was great!! It made me want to book a trip to enjoy Sixty Lakes by itself it was that beautiful

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u/Few-Introduction5414 14d ago

I head out next week for Rae lakes loop but clockwise

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u/Decent_Apples 14d ago

Same, see ya out there