CA 158 north of Silver Lake, Mono County, CA, 10/11/2010
Looking southwest, here's the view of a grove of quaking aspens across a bend in Rush Creek north of Silver Lake at 7,240 feet above sea level in the Inyo National Forest. The mountains are in the Ansel Adams Wilderness and straddle Alger Creek on its way down to Sliver Lake. On the creek's shore to my left was a wooden picnic table; here was a perfect spot to enjoy a meal and a lovely view! On this early autumn day most of the deciduous trees in the area were still completely green, so I was very pleased when I noticed these colorful aspens from June Lake Loop Road a short distance away! Here we see Rush Creek as it travels north from Silver Lake to Grant Lake. In the eastern Sierra canyons of California, I love how the prevailing desolate conditions set off in bold contrast the lush foliage growing around water sources such as this creek! In addition to the beautiful trees, I was impressed by the attractive grasses at the water's edge. The name "Rush Creek" is derived from how the water rushes down the steep canyon (upstream from here) to recharge beautiful Silver Lake.