Vermilion Valley Resort

We headed up to the Vermilion Valley Resort where many through-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail stop for a day or two to recharge and pick up supplies.  At this time of year, all of the through hikers have left and it’s pretty quite.  In another few days, the place will be closed up for the winter.

They weren’t even selling pies anymore for the year because no one is around to eat them.

Lots of hikers have partied here over the decades.

Outdoor firepit area.

I imagine that this must be a nice sight for quite a few people who are becoming weary of the trail.

They do have a few areas reserved at the Vermilion Valley Resort for normal people.  This picnic table has a sign that says “NOT FOR THRU HIKER USE.”  Sometimes trail trash just isn’t allowed.

Vermilion Valley Hydroelectric Project

We went up to Lake Thomas A Edison and the Vermilion Valley Hydroelectric Project run by Southern California Edison.  I’ve never been here before.  The Vermilion Valley was flooded out by the dam when it was completed.

The resort at one end of the lake runs a boat during the summer to the other end of the lake for hikers.  It cuts off about a half day of hiking to get up to the Pacific Crest Trail.

Looking back toward the Kaiser Peaks Wilderness area and the way we came from.