Fish Bowls Backpack
Click for details

This trip will be to the Fish Bowls Trail Camp in the Los Padres National Forest. There is a swimming hole…believe me, really believe me. This is an intermediate level backpack trip for people that have backpacked with us previously.

WHEN: Saturday June 9th and Sunday June 10th

WHERE: Cedar Creek Trailhead to Fish Bowls in the Los Padres National Forest. The trail and camp are in the Sespe Wilderness and managed by the Los Pinos Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest. There is a swimming hole at camp!

DIFFICULTY: This hike is 4.9 miles each way on the Cedar Creek Trail with over 1,100 feet of elevation gain. This is a moderately difficult hike. A beginner will struggle if he is not physically strong. If you would like to go but have never backpacked with Troop 355, please call Mr. Chase to discuss. This is a mandatory shake-down trip for Philmont this year.

COST: $10 per person. Deadline to confirm your spot is Monday night, June 4. Bring your check made out to BSA Troop 355 to the Troop Meeting or mail to:
Ron Chase
1090 Medford Road
Pasadena, CA 91107

AVAILABILITY: This trip is for experienced backpackers. It is not a good trip for first time backpackers. We will have a beginner backpack trip in the Fall. This trip to Fish Bowls is an excellent opportunity to prepare for Philmont this summer and for 12 and 13 year olds interested in backpacking. The trip limit is 24. If you wish to sign up, e-mail Mr. Chase and get on the list: randjchase@earthlink.net

MEET: At Scout House at 6:30 AM on Saturday, June 9. We will divide Troop gear and food then depart for the trailhead. The trip to the trailhead is about 2 1/4 hours. We should arrive there by 9:00 or 9:30 AM. We will return to the trailhead Sunday morning about noon and be home by 3:00 PM.

MEALS: Eat a big breakfast on Saturday morning before the trip. Otherwise you may bonk! Bonking is not cool, it hurts. Don’t bonk! Bring your own trail lunch Saturday, dinner will be provided Saturday night (Philmont style), bring your own breakfast bars, instant oatmeal, cocoa for breakfast. Saturday’s dinner will be prepared by individual crews. Crews will be announced Tuesday night June 5th by email.

SPECIAL NOTES:
It might be cold (40 degrees) at night, be prepared with long johns and a beanie hat to sleep in, a good sleeping bag, a jacket and gloves. Of course always bring your rain gear! BE PREPARED. Remember it snowed on us at Kern in May 2011.

Bring a bathing suit and water shoes. There is a swimming hole!

Mr. Chase is always available to discuss equipment. Call him at 626 351-0697 or email randjchase@earthlink.net if you have any questions.

Any cars parking at the Cedar Creek Trailhead will need a National Forest Adventure Pass available at your sporting goods store (REI, Sports Chalet).

Directions to the Trailhead: Take the 210 west to Highway 5 north. Take Exit 205 Frazier Mountain Park Road. Turn left on Frazier Mountain Park Road and proceed for seven miles. Turn left on Lockwood Valley Road and proceed for 10.5 miles. Turn left on Forest Route 7N03. It may be called Mutau Flat Road or Grade Valley Road. Proceed for 7.1 miles and turn right on Forest Route 7N03C, Thorn Meadows Road. Proceed for about ¾ of a mile and arrive at the Cedar Creek Trailhead on the right. You have gone too far if you reach the Thorn Meadows Campground. Park and hang your Adventure Pass on your rear view mirror.