On September 23-24, 1972 I backpacked with Paul Smith, Larry O'Leary, George Brady, Brian Twohey and Ron Reiner on the Kings River Trail on a twelve mile trip to Baker Lake and on to South Lake. Baker Lake and a small portion of the route was in the John Muir Wilderness.
Three of us started at Big Pine Creek and three started at South Lake, Bishop Creek. Both groups hiked to Baker Lake from opposite ends of the trail for a common camp - then exited opposite way making a total trip from creek to creek of about 12 miles.
The trail from Baker Lake to Big Pine Creek is hard to find where it leaves Baker Creek if you haven't been over it before. (Paul, Brian & Ron got lost and went cross country to Big Pine Creek road).
Tremendous scenery from high points of Middle and South Palisade, Mt. Humphrey, etc. and fall color was great. Baker Lake very nice. Jeep road comes within 1 miles via Coyote Creek from Bishop area. Green Lake very nice. Brown Lake is nothing.
At Bishop Creek end we used a pipe line from South Lake Parking Lot as trail instead of very steep trail from Parcher's camp. Nice Trip - probably best in spring or fall.
Big Pine Creek via Baker Lake to South Lake 1972
