by cherokeedriver » Fri Jun 29, 2007 7:35 pm
I just got back from Cathedral Lakes toady - I was told "no camp fires" at the lakes. However, when you get to the permit station look closey at the map, as you may be able to find a location just to the north of the outlet (west side) of the lake which is out of their no-fire zone. I walked around the lake a few time. On the south side of the lake near the outlet is a nice forrested area with some good flat spots for tents (no fire here for sure).
On the north side of the lake, again towards the outlet, a few hundred yards North of the outlet, are some very nice flat sandy areas, sitting between boulders. I think you could probably have fire in this area (check the map). There was plenty of dead wood around. Although there is no shade here and you'll have a walk to get water, there were far less mosquitos then near the lake. Also, you'll have a great view above lake Tenaya.
I was up at 5Am checking out the sunrise - near the outlet (again walk a few hundred yards to the North. While I could not see the sunrise from this location directly, the light spilled down into Tenaya lake before hitting me directly, it was awesome.
As for fishing, I didn't attempt it, in fact I noticed a "lack of jumping" at dusk and sunrise for whatever that's worth.
If I didn't care about camp fires, I think I would have made my camp at the Upper lake. The upper lake is smaller, but to my liking more beautiful.
I you want - I can email you a few pics.
Good luck,
Joe