Water at Strawberry Junction

[Mike P]

We are going to Strawberry Junction next week. Where is the water near camp and how is it flowing? Also, what is the water situation at Law's Camp?

Thanks,
Mike P

(Sorry if this posted twice...I think I goofed the first time.)

[magikwalt]

Hi Mike P,

I haven't been out there in over a month now but here is a link over to a site tracking water sources on the PCT route. Scroll down to B7 - B10 and you should see some info updated as of the end of May. Hope it helps.

Unless someone updates you here the State Park number to call and check is 951-659-2607.

[Perry]

As far as along the main trail, Deer Springs seems to be going longer than the others (based on my experiences last summer and the year before). It turns into a stagnant puddle, but last summer it was deep enough that I could scoop my bottles in. I used 3 iodine tablets per bottle I think, instead of the usual 2. I have not been there this year.

[Mike P]

Thanks! I'll post a report when I get back.
Mike P

[Perry]

And if you're out of luck and it's dry.....there's Little Round Valley! You might get a little dehydrated hiking there if you were depending on Deer Springs, but I think LRV should be flowing.

[Hikin_Jim]

Not sure if you've already gone but:

Laws is at the confluence of two creeks: http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=33. ... &layer=DRG Water should be pretty reliable. If there isn't water in Willow Cr, try Tahquitz Cr. I'm not sure what route you're taking, but if you follow the trail that basically parallels Tahquitz Cr. west from Laws Camp, there are innumerable places to set up camp, and there's typically water in Tahquitz Cr. CAVEAT: I haven't hiked the Laws Camp/Tahquitz Cr. area yet this year.

Re Little Round Valley, the best water (that I've found, correct me guys if I'm off), is just BEFORE you get to LRV. The trail crosses the creek just before the area where the camp sites are. About 5 - 10 feet up the stream bed from the stream crossing is a little pool that is suitable for pumping/filling. Approximately here: http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=33. ... &layer=DRG Trying to get water from the stream that goes through the meadow area guarantees a lot of mud in your filter.

There are also a couple of small intermittant streams flowing between Deer Springs and LRV. You might find some water here as well.

[Mike P]

Hikin' Jim-

Thanks for the info. We are starting Thursday late afternoon at Deer Springs Trailhead and going to Strawberry Junction that night. I was hoping that there was reliable water near Strawberry J camp. Friday we head north past LRV, summit San Jac and then on to Round Valley. Saturday we hike to Laws and then Sunday we head out through Humber Park.

So...when you note that the water is 'before' LRV, is that the uphill (San Jac) side? or are you referring to the Deer Springs side?

Thanks again,
Mike P

[Perry]

The stream(s) is below LRV. The one that is most likely to be flowing is right at LRV, and you can almost see the campsites. Willow creek generally runs longer than a lot of others, so headed towards Laws you'll probably cross a small dry creek first, and then probably Willow will be flowing. At some point this summer, we may have to just bring all of our water....

[Hikin_Jim]

Good hike plan. I did something roughly similar in October.

The two or so creeks that I'm talking about are BETWEEN Deer Spgs & LRV. You've probably already got your permit, but one way to do it is to go straight to LRV instead of going to Strawberry Jct. The water at LRV will more than likely still be flowing, but I don't think there will be anything near Strawberry. There is one small creek (Marion Cr. if I'm not mistaken) near Strawberry, but it is the opposite direction from LRV, and it's usually dry. I wouldn't count on Marion Cr. for water this year. There's more reliable water at Strawberry Cienaga, but again it's the opposite direction, and I wouldn't count on it this year. See: http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=33. ... &layer=DRG

What I did for my October trip was:
Day 1: Tram to LRV
Day 2: LRV to Laws
Day 3: Laws to Tram

I knew the water was fairly reliable at LRV & Laws, so I planned around a) water, b) where the camp sites were, and c) getting out early on day 3 to get home and clean up and all.

If all else fails, of course there's always dehydrated water...

Seriously, have a great hike. SJ is fabulous hiking country.

[Perry]

After a good snow year, it's fun to do that section below LRV in the early summer, as there are several streams that go right over the trail. But I've noticed they dry up rather quickly, so I'm going to guess that it's dry right now between Deer Springs and LRV. So starting from Hwy 243, it could be a very long unpleasant hike to LRV if somebody turns their nose at the stagnant puddle of deer springs creek (which I have regretfully done on the big loop).

Mike P, I'm eagerly waiting to hear your water report....