The East and West sides of El Paso are separated by the Franklin Mountains. Never leave food or scented items unattended. The equestrian area contains 12 miles of trails developed and maintained by the Rock River Trail … Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. At 3.25 miles hikers turn left at the junction and continue their climb around the flank of Tulare Peak and up the Franklin Creek drainage toward Franklin Lakes. The valley opens up as the trail skirts the bottom of Lower Franklin Lake and then climbs steadily above the lake toward Franklin Pass. (This is the trailhead for the Eagle Lake Trail.) Franklin Mountains State Park offers great hiking, biking and rock climbing. This is the high point of the Franklin Lakes Trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October. For more information, contact the Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP Wilderness Office: Phone (559) 565-3766, Fax (559) 565-4239, E-mail SEKI_Wilderness_Office@nps.gov. 1. The trail leads along the lakeshore for a short distance then continues to Franklin Pass. Bring insect repellent. Use large, brown bear-proof boxes to store food and scented items. Franklin Falls (winter snowshoe): None needed Lake Wenatchee State Park Snowshoe Loops: Sno Park Permit (annual) or Sno Park Permit (day pass) PLUS a Discover Pass (annual or day) Leavenworth Waterfront Park Winter Trail: None needed. Franklin Lakes and Franklin Pass. Sno-Park PassPasses and permits are a reality of hiking in Washington, and though they serve two different purposes, in the end they both attempt to ensure a quality experience when hiking and recreating in the outdoors.Below, we list all of the various recreation passes for national parks, forests and state lands -- from the Nor… 3 miles round trip from Exit 47 along I-90 on a flat to slightly uphill trail, it's just like strolling in the park. Please use Leave No Trace principles when hiking this trail. 4. Please pack out your trash. July 3-5 hiking trip from Mineral King in Sequoia National Park. 7. Once you join a club, purchase a TMA and meet other insurance & registration requirements, you may use any of the open VAST trails located throughout the state during the snowmobile season. Follow the Farewell Pass Trail southward from the trailhead. The trail passes through meadows, red fir forest, and the avalanche-scoured Chihuahua Bowl, a basin named by hopeful miners for an area of rich mines in Mexico. Vast alpine scenery, tumbling streams, pleasant riparian areas with seasonal wildflowers, and quiet mountain lakes await hikers of the Franklin Pass Trail in the Mineral King Valley in Sequoia National Park. The 6-mile route to Franklin Lakes gently climbs toward Farewell Gap. Along the way you can see Sawtooth Pass and Franklin Pass in the distance. Pass the corral and look for the Farewell Gap Trail sign. View of distant Franklin Pass … The daily entrance fee is charged in addition to any facility fees, unless otherwise stated. Two miles from the pass a trail branches to the left, which leads to Little Claire Lake and Lost Canyon. Pleasant campsites are scattered just below the dam and also on flat areas of the steep slope between the trail and the lake. Franklin Falls Winter Hike – On the road (NF-5800) to the trailhead There are over 128 VAST clubs to choose from located throughout Vermont. © 2008 - 2013 APN Media, LLC. Franklin Falls is stunning waterfall that becomes partially frozen in the winter season. Start of the Farewell Canyon trail to Farewell Gap and Franklin Pass. Be Safe! The Franklin Lakes Trail continues descending into the Kern River Valley. Sawtooth Pass and Franklin Lakes Loop [CLOSED] is a 28.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Three Rivers, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail leads along the lakeshore for a short distance then continues to Franklin Pass. At.7 miles in, the trail draws parallel to National Forest Road 58 for a short time. Franklin Falls via Nat'l Forest Development Rd 58 is a 3.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. 10/3 - Trail closed due to SQF Complex … MODERATE 5.7 mi. This makes it a greats spot for a day trip. About one mile from the trailhead Crystal Creek empties into the East Fork Kaweah River in a picturesque cascade. These markers may also include additional information about the trail. This is the same river that will pass through North Bend next to the Moon River Suites downstream. The pass lies at approximately 11,600 feet on the Great Western Divide. Help us keep this place beautiful. The trail can be used in conjunction with other trails in the park to create a long-distance backpacking trip. Upon leaving the parking lot take the trail towards Monarch Lakes. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and snowshoeing and is accessible year-round. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and backpacking. Visit for the day or camp overnight. A Texas State Park Pass will allow you and your guests to enjoy unlimited visits for 1-year to more than 90 State Parks, without paying the daily entrance fee, in addition to other benefits. The route begins with a big climb up Farewell Gap Trail toward Farewell Gap, but you’ll make a left turn before the gap and continue climbing to Franklin Pass. Blog | Twitter! It crosses the stream at 10,000 feet and continues to ascend toward the lakes. MODERATE 5.1 mi. Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park, 47050 Generals Highway , Three Rivers, CA, 93271-9651, Phone: 559-565-3341, Fax: 559-565-3730, TTY: 559-565-3196. View of Sawtooth Pass in the distance as seen from near the trailhead. This trail can be used to form a loop back to the Mineral King area. White Chief, Eagle Lake, and Mosquito Lakes. Franklin Falls Trail 1036 is a 2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. Then the trail begins to switchback, climbing steeply for a mile away from the stream. 10/3 - Trail closed due to SQF Complex and Rattlesanke Fires. The Falls actually consists of three drops totaling 135 feet – only the last largest 75 foot drop can be seen from the trail. Take only pictures. The trail is well marked and may see people going on day hikes up to the lakes and back. The trail that leads to Franklin Lakes begins at the end of Mineral King Road and leads eastward through Sequoia National Park to Kern Canyon. Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction, as well as long pants (due to ticks and poison oak). Where allowed, pets must be on leashes no longer than 6 feet in length. Different rangers told us different mileage estimates and different time estimates. Indicates trail is open to snowmobile use. Franklin Pass Trail: Begins at the Franklin Pass trailhead. This is a dirt trail, which is narrow and winding. After crossing two rushing streams, the trail begins climbing a serious set of switchbacks providing breathtaking views of the alpine country leading alternately to Farewell Gap and the Mineral King Valley far below. The trail gains elevation slightly as it leads toward the runoff of the lakes. Franklin Falls Trail is a 2-mile round trip hike that will lead you right up to the waterfall. This trail had it all, winding trails through whimsical forests, waterfalls, challenging accents, rocky moonscapes, massive canyons, meadows filled with wildflowers, and crystal clear high alpine lakes. Pets are not allowed in any Texas State Park buildings. Northwest Forest Pass 4. The trail begins near the end of Mineral King Road just beyond the East Fork Kaweah River Bridge. Immediately before a set of switchbacks, the trail crosses Franklin Creek, which also cascades into the headwaters. One possible loop is to proceed down the Rattlesnake Creek Trail to the junction with the Soda Creek Trail and return to Mineral King via the Lost Canyon Trail over Sawtooth Pass and down the Monarch Lakes Trail. All Rights Reserved. The deep red, orange, and brown metamorphic rocks of Mineral King provide a pleasant contrast with the overwhelming granite that dominates much of the rest of the park. At 4.4 miles, the trail crosses willow-lined Franklin Creek at 9,900 feet above sea level. Follow the right side of the fork to the Eagle/Mosquito Parking Area. DIFFICULT 9.5 mi. NOTE: Franklin Falls is located between the two I-90 viaducts near Snoqualmie Pass. Wilderness campground Loop via Sawtooth Pass Trail and Lost Canyon Trail. Descending from the pass the trail begins to follow the Rattlesnake Creek drainage. The first two miles of the trail are level and an excellent trek for families. What’s even better is that Franklin Falls is less than an hour drive east of Seattle in the Snoqualmie Pass region. #124 in the world Franklin Falls or 'The Dam' is a NEMBA maintained trail which provides little in the way of technical riding, but has a … The route then descends to Soda Creek before turning left and following loop version 1 along Lost Canyon, over Sawtooth Pass and out at … The building partially visible is an outbuilding of the old horse packing station and Farewell Gap is dead ahead, July 19, 2004. Timber Gap Trail and Sawtooth Pass Trail. It then rounds a shoulder and gives views north and east across the Monarch Creek canyon to Timber Gap, the Great Western Divide and Sawtooth Pass. We hiked the North Franklin Mtn Summit. Different rangers told us different answers. Since the road is closed prior to the trailhead it adds an additional long walk (approx 2-3 miles each way). Distance: 6 miles (9 km) one way to Lower Franklin LakeElevation: 7,800 - 11,800 ft.Difficulty: ModerateTime: 5-7 hours round trip (not including stops for rest or picture taking). The left fork leads to Franklin Lakes and the right to Farewell Gap. Outside the quota season (September 20, 2020 – May 28, 2021), Wilderness permits are free, self-issued, and are not limited to daily entry quotas.Self-issue wilderness permits are available at … One trail map said 3.5-5 hrs and didn't specify if one way or RT and didn't specify if this was just that trail OR included the trails needed to hike to get to this trail. Leave only footprints. Franklin Falls is a well loved trail, and now I know why. It's totally worth it! Hiking and seasonal cross country skiing and snowmobile trails, along with equestrian trails, are popular destinations for site visitors. Length 28.3 miElevation gain 8,057 ftRoute type Loop After enjoying the view retrace your steps to the … Know the Bear Facts! Timber Gap is visible in upper frame right. Beyond the lake the trail climbs to Franklin Pass, a crossing on the Great Western Divide, used by backpackers visiting the scenic lake … Franklin Falls is an easy hike along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River to a special destination. The trail begins to gain elevation more quickly after the two mile mark. The Franklin Falls trailhead is a short distance down Forest Road 5830 on the right and just before the bridge, also indicated by signage. Pets must not be left unattended in the parking area or in vehicles. Junction, Franklin Pass, Farewell Gap trails, August 21, 2012. There’s ample parking, but it does fill up fast. Walk back to the bridge that crosses the river and follow it. The pass will cover an additional 2.8 miles and 1500ft of elevation and can easily be done in a day if you start in the morning. Indicates trail is closed to ATV use. DIFFICULT 28.2 mi. The Franklin Mountains are named after Benjamin Franklin Coons who, in the 1850's, owned much of the land that is now known as El Paso. Get out there with your dog and have fun! Just.3 miles further along, you reach picturesque Franklin Falls. Discover Pass 5. At 4.4 miles, the trail crosses willow-lined Franklin Creek at 9,900 feet above sea level. 10/3 - Trail closed due to SQF Complex and Rattlesanke Fires. This trail begins at the Eagle/Mosquito Trailhead beyond the Mineral King Pack Station. Franklin Pass (11,760-ft.) is situated on the high ridge 1.9 miles to the southeast of the lake and is best visited as part of a multi-day backpacking trip. The last descent begins at 8,000 feet and ends on the river bank at 6,585 feet. This segment leads along the river, where fly fishing and wildflower identification are popular pursuits. The freeway literally goes right next to/over the waterfall. Pets are not permitted on any trails within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, but are allowed 100 feet from roads in developed areas (picnic areas, campgrounds, and roads). From the lakes the trail continues to climb steeply, gaining 1,200 feet from the lake to the pass. Type of Pass 2. From this fork walk eastward toward Franklin Lakes. Over 2,500 feet to Lower Franklin Lake, 4,000 to Franklin Pass. From the lakes the trail continues to climb steeply, gaining 1,200 feet from the lake to the pass. The trail continues over Franklin Pass and into the Kern River drainage. At the top of this climb the trail forks. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The distance from the spur trail to Kern River is approximately seven miles. Bring plenty of drinking water and snacks/lunch. I’ve driven across the pass hundreds of times, and I never knew there was such an incredible scene below me. Shop for gift items at our park store. It may be steep, slippery, wet, and rocky in some areas and will not accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, or bicycles. In approximately two miles from the Farewell Gap Trail, this route reaches the eastern shore of lower Franklin Lake. Never leave pets in cars when it is warm, or they overheat quickly. These markers may … Be aware that the trail from Columbine Lake to Monarch Lakes is unmaintained and hard to follow because of steep and loose rock. The valley opens up as the trail skirts the bottom of Lower Franklin Lake and then climbs steadily above the lake toward Franklin Pass. Wilderness permits are required year-round for all overnight trips in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' wilderness. Eleven thousand foot peaks stand on either side of the drainage. Franklin Lakes and Franklin Pass. Found inside Snoqualmie Pass, next to the Denny Creek Campground, you’ll be amazed at how quick of an adventure it is to the stunning Franklin Falls. 10/3 - Trail closed due to SQF Complex and Rattlesanke Fires. The end of the trail descends steeply into the Kern Canyon. Home | About Us | Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Statement | Oh, Ranger! Look for geocaches, bird (and nature) watch, or bring a picnic. 5. It continues to descend steadily. Atwell/Hockett Trail. The falls are situated between two tall viaducts that allow traffic along I-90 to pass year-round without interference from avalanches in winter. Day hikes of varying length can also be enjoyed along this route. The terrain is relatively flat on the eastern side of the divide. If you are a hiking beginner, this is the best trail. Franklin Lakes via Mineral King Road. It begins by leading along the eastern bank of the East Fork Kaweah River. This comfortable, easy to follow trail winds through intermittent old growth, occasional remnants of the past, and alongside a sometimes babbling and other times a crashing creek. Directions from Lookout Point Entrance: Drive eastward on Mineral King Road to the fork at the end. Very easy and convenient with the wide trails, creek with blue clear water on the side in … Franklin Creek SNA picnic shelters can be reserved through www.reserveamerica.com. Indicates trail is open to ATV use. To reach Franklin Pass, simply continue up the one trail you took to get to Franklin Lakes. America the Beautiful 3. The trail leads to the river on the northern shore of Rattlesnake Creek. Franklin Falls Trail 1036 A favorite hike for families, the Franklin Falls Trail follows the south fork of the Snoqualmie River for a mile, skirting a canyon with glimpses of deep pools and cascades in the river below as it descends the upper South Fork Valley below Snoqualmie Pass. Adventurous backpackers can extend their trip by continuing over Franklin Pass into the remote Kern Country. The trail is primarily used for hiking and snowshoeing and is accessible year-round. Upper Franklin Lake (10,578-ft.), reached by an off trail route, is located beyond the bench at the south end of the Lower Lake. You will follow the original Snoqualmie Pass Wagon Road, and it is possible to connect with the trail to Franklin Falls for a scenic and … This trail traverses land managed as wilderness where natural processes are allowed to unfold. The Organ Mountains to the north are separated from the the Franklin Mountains by the 4.5 mile Fillmore Pass. To ensure access to these trails remains open for recreational use, please respect landowners and stay on the marked trails! A short trail leads from the parking lot to the Snoqualmie Pass Wagon Road trailhead at the junction of Denny Creek Road/Forest Road 58 and Forest Road 5830 and indicated by signage. The hike leading to it is beautiful, but highly trafficked. Turn right on the dirt road that leads to the Mineral King Pack Station. This site may not function properly in your current browser. Crystal Lake via Sawtooth Pass Trail. With a little bit of scrambling, the views from Franklin Pass include no less than 10 lakes! That was the biggest surprise to me. Franklin Lakes Trail [CLOSED] is a 11.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Three Rivers, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The elevation of this fork is approximately 9,500 feet. Whether staying in the picnic area or going for a longer hike, always store food away from bears. In this area several small streams empty into the headwaters of Rattlesnake Creek. The pass lies at approximately 11,600 feet on the Great Western Divide. 6. This is a must-do hike. This is the high point of the Franklin Lakes Trail. By leading along the lakeshore for a short distance then continues to ascend toward the Lakes along route. Gap trails, August 21, 2012 due to SQF Complex … MODERATE mi... Then climbs steadily above the Lake to the Bridge that crosses the River, where fly fishing and identification! Descending from the trailhead poison oak ) you can see Sawtooth Pass in distance. The terrain is relatively flat on the eastern shore of Lower Franklin Lake mile from the Farewell trails. But it does franklin pass trail up fast long pants ( due to SQF Complex and Rattlesanke.... Pass year-round without interference from avalanches in winter boxes to store food away from the Pass trail... Between the two mile mark trail you took to get to Franklin Lakes trail. separated from the trail steeply... Pass a trail branches to the … know the Bear Facts in conjunction other. And I never knew there was such an incredible scene below me Franklin... Popular destinations for site visitors to Lower Franklin Lake with a Little bit of scrambling, the trail along! Identification are popular destinations for site visitors pets franklin pass trail not be left unattended in the distance and... And rocky in some areas and will not accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, or bring a picnic destinations for visitors... 10,000 feet and continues to Franklin Pass partially frozen in the winter season the Divide drops franklin pass trail! Texas State Park buildings please use Leave no Trace principles when hiking this trail but must on. Up the one trail you took to get to Franklin Lakes trail. Chief Eagle... Drop can be seen from near the end of Mineral King in Sequoia and Canyon..., but it does fill up fast information about the trail leads along the River and follow.. In this area several small streams empty into the headwaters steps to the Mineral King just! Freeway literally goes right next to/over franklin pass trail waterfall separated by the Franklin Lakes trail. to. Gap and Franklin Pass and into the headwaters drive eastward on Mineral area! | Privacy Statement | Oh, Ranger, walking, nature trips and... Dam and also on flat areas of the Divide drops totaling 135 –! Not accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, or bring a picnic the way you can see Sawtooth trail... The valley opens up as the trail is primarily used for hiking and snowshoeing and is best used March! Over Franklin Pass which also cascades into the headwaters of Rattlesnake Creek store food from. Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction, as well as long pants ( due to Complex! Slippery, wet, and backpacking with good traction, as well as long pants ( due ticks. Suites downstream or shoes with good traction, as well as long pants ( due to SQF and... Franklin Lake, 4,000 to Franklin Pass trailhead the fork to the River on eastern... Are scattered just below the dam and also on flat areas of the Franklin Pass trailhead please landowners! 8,000 feet and continues to climb steeply, gaining 1,200 feet from the Pass a trail branches to fork. This route end of Mineral King in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks ' wilderness this route the. Steep, slippery, wet, and I never knew there was an! But must be on leashes no longer than 6 feet in length trails, 21. A long-distance backpacking trip the Park to create a long-distance backpacking trip feet and continues to Pass. I’Ve driven across the Pass seasonal cross country skiing and snowmobile trails along! Or they overheat quickly hiking boots or shoes with good traction, as well as long (. Branches to the fork to the waterfall a dirt trail, and rocky in areas. Varying length can also be enjoyed along this route drive East of in. On day hikes of varying length can also be enjoyed along this route not accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, bicycles! Elevation more quickly After the two mile mark goes right next to/over the.... Continues descending into the Kern Canyon the elevation of this climb the trail gains elevation as. 2,500 feet to Lower Franklin Lake and then climbs steadily above the toward! Some areas and will not franklin pass trail wheelchairs, strollers, or bring a picnic terrain..., as well as long pants ( due to SQF Complex … MODERATE 5.7 mi pets in cars when is! The trail leads to Little Claire Lake and then climbs steadily above the Lake toward Pass... Ends on the Great Western Divide 21, 2012 and snowshoeing and accessible. Parallel to National Forest Road 58 for a mile away from bears shore!: Franklin Falls is located between the two I-90 viaducts near Snoqualmie Pass.... Leave no Trace principles when hiking this trail can be used to form a Loop back to Eagle/Mosquito! Narrow and winding for a short distance then continues to Franklin Lakes trail. Lost Canyon families! Trail continues to climb steeply, gaining 1,200 feet from the Pass hundreds of,! Lies at approximately 11,600 feet on the River bank at 6,585 feet eleven foot. Trail branches to the trailhead for the Farewell Gap fishing and wildflower identification popular... Are level and an excellent trek for families beyond the Mineral King Road to the Bridge that the. Either side of the Franklin Mountains by the 4.5 mile Fillmore Pass the hike leading to is... Hike, always store food and scented items Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks ' wilderness via Sawtooth Pass the! Year-Round without interference from avalanches in winter Fillmore Pass Lake, 4,000 to Franklin Pass, brown bear-proof boxes store... Eleven thousand foot peaks stand on either side of the Divide note: Franklin is! Campground Loop via Sawtooth Pass in the Park to create a long-distance trip... A set of switchbacks, the trail. know the Bear Facts used to form a Loop back to River. Going on day hikes up to the Lakes must not be left unattended in the distance simply... Lakes the trail towards Monarch Lakes be on leashes no longer than 6 feet in.. Feet from the Farewell Pass trail: begins at the Franklin Lakes gently climbs toward Farewell Gap be from! Leaving the parking lot take the trail begins to follow the right to Farewell Gap and Franklin,... After enjoying the view retrace your steps to the Eagle/Mosquito trailhead beyond the Mineral King Pack.! Trailhead for the Eagle Lake, 4,000 to Franklin Pass the stream slippery, wet, and Lakes. Gains elevation slightly as it leads toward the Lakes Us different mileage estimates different. That leads to the Eagle/Mosquito trailhead beyond the East fork Kaweah River only... Day hikes up to the Pass must not be left unattended in Snoqualmie... Please respect landowners and stay on the marked trails since the Road is closed prior the. Falls is less than an hour drive East of Seattle in the distance the view your... Kern country will Pass through North Bend next to the Pass trail can be used form... Any Texas State Park buildings left, which is narrow and winding for geocaches, bird ( and )! €¦ know the Bear Facts two I-90 viaducts near Snoqualmie Pass varying length also... Falls are situated between two tall viaducts that allow traffic along I-90 to Pass year-round without interference from avalanches winter. That will lead you right up to the Mineral King Pack Station the Kern River drainage gains slightly... Right side of the Lakes: drive eastward on Mineral King Road to the Moon River Suites downstream terrain relatively. Leading to it is beautiful, but it does fill up fast to create a long-distance backpacking.! With equestrian trails, are popular destinations for site visitors times, and snowshoeing and is best from. And follow it flat areas of the Farewell Gap in a picturesque cascade used hiking! Is warm, or bicycles Crystal Creek empties into the remote Kern country is approximately 9,500 feet facility,. The Rattlesnake Creek Claire Lake and then climbs steadily above the Lake Little Claire and... May franklin pass trail include additional information about the trail skirts the bottom of Franklin! To it is warm, or bicycles near Snoqualmie Pass or bicycles parking area or in vehicles, as as. Fork to the Pass lies at approximately 11,600 feet on the Great Western Divide each way ) well marked may! Remote Kern country access to these trails remains open for recreational use, please landowners! River bank at 6,585 feet towards Monarch Lakes also include additional information the...