What a fabulous day in the high country of Headwall Creek, on a gloriously sunny summer day.We had a surprise at the outset as the Chester Lake parking lot was closed due to bear activity on the Chester Lake trail. Even though the trail closure did not cover Headwall Creek, we were forced to move our starting place to Sawmill. Our next surprise was having to cross James Walker Creek, nobody having packed creek crossers as we had not planned on any creek crossings. Most chose the wet barefoot way, but some brave souls did the dry but shaky log route. It was a hot and muggy day in the forest—mosquito action was considerable below treeline.

Marmot

We saw a marmot and pica at the first rock slide area. Additional wildlife seen during the day included 15 sheep and 4 deer.

The Headwall

We soon reached the impressive wall of limestone totally blocking the valley at the headwall. The first section of trail was so steep and badly eroded that it should be upgraded to TL4.

Lower Headwall Lake

Lower Lake from top of falls

At the top of the headwall we reached the beautiful first lake, with the impressive waterfall bursting out of the upper headwall.

Upper Headwall Lake

We enjoyed a long lunch at the upper lake, with a pleasant breeze and no bugs.

The summit group: France, Brian, Bruce, Kathy, Mario, Teresa and Mohsen Fortress Mountain stands behind the upper lake.

The barefoot crossing of James Walker Creek

The dry but shaky method

We were back to the cars before 5 and everyone stopped at Fortress junction for ice cream. Carl, coordinator and scribe.