Parked at Cecret Trail parking lot. I arrived at 10:30 PM so parking was not an issue. Was towing a small trailer, which had some difficulty handling terrain en route to parking lot. Area is not illuminated, as is expected, so I prepared a headlamp and a backup lantern for the hike. I packed some potables in a bear can because I was unfamiliar with the area’s ecology, but this is not necessary as bears do not have a presence in this area.
I embarked on Cecret Lake Trail and after a mile or so of mild hiking, arrived at the lake. I encountered a few innocuous nocturnal animals along the trail.
After assessing the topography at the lake, I continued towards the left most side of lake around the concrete bridge, and hiked upwards along trail for about 500 feet, until I found a clearing away from the trail, nestled between boulders.
I set up a two person tent on flat soft ground, padded by pine needles. Visibility was excellent and at some points I turned off my headlamp, to operate by moon and star light.
The night was quiet and peaceful, the silence periodically broken by a gentle breeze. If weather permits, leaving off the rain fly provides an exquisite view of the milky way as you drift off to sleep.
10/10 Sick af
