North Lake – Piute Pass – Lamarck Col Loop (via JMT)

Missed Day 1? Start the loop (with the map) from the beginning here: North Lake to Lower Golden Trout Lake — Day 1

Missed Day 2? Start the loop from day 2 here: Lower Golden Trout Lake to Piute Canyon and the John Muir Trail

Missed day 3? Start the loop from day 3 here: Evolution Creek (JMT) to Evolution Basin, Darwin Canyon and Lamarck Col

Day 4: Descending Lamarck Col Trail to North Lake 

After 14 miles and 4,300 feet of gain the day before, we welcomed a gentler pace. Just 4.5 miles remained, though with over 3,000 feet of descent. The weather was perfect, and the trail scenic — but steeper than Piute Pass, our entrance point on Day 1.

We were surprised by brief uphill sections, our legs aching.

View northeast down the valley from the Lamarck Col Trail, showing the early‑morning descent after the long approach to Lamarck Col.
View northeast down the valley from the Lamarck Col Trail, after a long previous day on the Lamarck Col approach. A gentler pace awaited us, though the descent still held surprises — including a few unexpected uphill stretches that our tired legs definitely felt.

A small ridge revealed Upper Lamarck Lake—worth its own weekend trip, confirmed by a couple we met.

Looking down on Upper Lamarck Lake from the Lamarck Col Trail, with a clear high‑alpine view on the final‑day descent toward North Lake.
Looking down on Upper Lamarck Lake from the Lamarck Col Trail, a stunning high‑alpine view on our gentler final‑day descent toward North Lake.

The trail switchbacked steeply, demanding care. Lamarck Creek was full and required focus to cross.

Upper Lamarck Lake seen from the base of the steep Lamarck Col switchbacks, where the descent eases and the valley opens below.
Looking down on Upper Lamarck Lake from the bottom of the steep switchbacks on the Lamarck Col Trail, where the descent eases and the valley opens below.
Waterfall along Lamarck Creek near the crossing point, with fast‑flowing water requiring careful footing.
Waterfall along Lamarck Creek just before the crossing — the creek was running full here and demanded real focus to get across.

Beyond this, the trail followed the creek to Lower Lamarck Lake before entering the forest. Tired and ready for home comforts, the trail seemed to stretch endlessly. We walked briskly, finally reaching the popular North Lake Campground. A final half-mile of road walking brought us to our car.

Trip Complete: Bishop Creek Lodge Showers, Lunch, and the Road Home

Our decision to cross Lamarck Col the night before had paid off. We had time for a shower at Bishop Creek Lodge (available to the public for a fee) and lunch in Bishop before beginning our long drive to the airport.

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