Chasing a High Sierra Waterfall | Off-Trail Hiking Challenge (Part 3/3)

Hiking in the High Sierra: off-trail scramble to hidden lakes, crossing snowfields, and climbing beside a roaring waterfall. An epic adventure through Little Lakes Valley and beyond.
Find out more in my blog post:

The High Sierra is full of surprises—and this hike was one of my toughest yet. Leaving the trail behind, I scrambled across huge boulder fields, navigated steep snowbanks, and pushed my way up alongside a powerful waterfall in search of secret alpine lakes.
Along the way, I share how I weigh risk, make smart decisions in rugged terrain, and stay safe when hiking solo and off-trail. Before heading out, I also explore the stunning Little Lakes Valley, one of the most beautiful corners of the Sierra Nevada.

This hike in the High Sierra includes creek crossings, off-trail scrambling, snow travel, and a waterfall climb—an unforgettable adventure for hikers, backpackers, and mountain lovers alike.

If you enjoy hiking adventures, consider joining my community on Buy Me A Coffee or perhaps just buying me a coffee :) Your support helps me create more stories from the mountains. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/adventur...


// RELATED LINKS

Part 1:    • Backpacking the Sierra After 6 Weeks of Tr...  
Part 2:    • Hiking to Mono Pass – High Sierra Views Yo...  
• See my full training series to summit a Sierra Mountain –    • Pushing Limits: Training for Sierra Heights  
Last year's Sierra trip:    • Backpacking the Sierra Nevada Mountains: T...  
If the sound of the waterfall helps you focus or wind down after a long day, you might like the long video on my new channel, Whispers & Dreams. Just sit back and relax here:    • Soothing Waterfall into Mountain Lake | Si...  

// PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, we'll receive a small commission.

Hiking boots: Salomon https://salomon.pxf.io/55GOjN REI: rei.pxf.io/Qj26zM Amazon: https://amzn.to/45vVO12
Garmin inReach Mini: REI rei.pxf.io/gOaWX9 Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HrZny6


// OTHER GEAR

Backpack: https://tinyurl.com/nhfv2pzr
Tent: https://tinyurl.com/ywz2htfr (my review:    • Hyperlite Mid 1: Effortless Tent Setup for...  )

Clothes & boots

Pants: REI: rei.pxf.io/POm64j Amazon: https://amzn.to/3q9h4te
Fleece jacket: REI: rei.pxf.io/Wy2G9Z Amazon: https://alnk.to/7BfeQza
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Hiking socks: REI: rei.pxf.io/2aVWXa Amazon: https://amzn.to/42IUkxz
Hiking boots: Salomon https://salomon.pxf.io/55GOjN REI: rei.pxf.io/Qj26zM Amazon: https://amzn.to/45vVO12

Eating & Drinking

Stove: REI: rei.pxf.io/09Rd1P Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MRWQNo (my review:    • Jetboil MicroMo Review: Lightning-Fast, Mo...  )
Nalgene bottle: REI: rei.pxf.io/N926mv Amazon: https://amzn.to/432ymql
Water bottle: REI: rei.pxf.io/xLzNRd Amazon: https://amzn.to/3J1SNvV
Water filter - Katadyn BeFree: REI: https://rei.pxf.io/XmRzdX Amazon: https://amzn.to/45qJ2AT (my review:    • Katadyn BeFree Water Filter: Can it Handle...  )
Replacement cartridge: REI: rei.pxf.io/K0yZYn Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qcHNVY
Utensils: https://amzn.to/43CwMvO
Dinner: Lasagna with Meat Sauce: REI: rei.pxf.io/YR2yYR Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BVipqe

Cleanliness & Health

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First Aid: https://amzn.to/3NrDsHv
Camp soap: https://amzn.to/43C3n4V
Wet wipes: https://amzn.to/3Pbr5k3
Kula Cloth: https://kulacloth.com/pages/faqs

Safety & Repair*

Satellite Communicator: REI (v2) rei.pxf.io/gOaWX9 Amazon: https://amzn.to/45GYEjZ
Headlamp: Fenix: https://alnk.to/dWcwa43 REI: rei.pxf.io/N92632 Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MuPzBT
Sleeping Pad repair kit: https://amzn.to/3NrNdoY
Bear bag: REI: rei.pxf.io/xLzNDv Amazon: https://amzn.to/423TUlo

Weather & Insects

Chapstick with SPF: https://amzn.to/43UyisS
Mineral Sunscreen: https://amzn.to/4l7p9W4

Comfort & Power

Ultralight chair: REI: rei.pxf.io/5517Nn Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MyQlOd
Solar Panel Goal Zero: REI: rei.pxf.io/OeymJn Amazon: https://amzn.to/45G23zs (my review:    • GoalZero Nomad5 With Flip12 - Testing It O...  )
Anker MagSafe Charger: https://amzn.to/3MUHIij

// RECORDING EQUIPMENT & MUSIC

You can get a 30-day free trial for Epidemic Sound here: https://tinyurl.com/mryxdp4c

iPhone 15 Pro Max: https://amzn.to/3UFUZPO
MagSafe mount for iPhone: https://amzn.to/3MAkVHa
Wireless mic: https://amzn.to/3RcEYOA
Sling pack: https://amzn.to/3BU69pL


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// CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro
0:36 Hike start
2:01 Scramble start
5:04 Snow patches
11:00 Rest at the Lake and Bay scramble
12:00 Waterfall scramble
17:05 Return to camp
20:39 Dinner
22:32 Bonus videos
26:38 Scramble recap with video from Mono Pass viewpoint
28:54 Hike back
29:59 Little Lakes Valley

#HighSierra #HiddenLakes #OffTrailHiking #Scramble #WaterfallHike #LittleLakesValley #SierraNevada #Backpacking #HikingAdventure