Lake Peak and Lake Katherine

The first three miles are difficult and steep, but you get some great views up there. After reaching the top of Lake Peak, there is some scrambling, then a long, steady downhill. The left turn towards Lake Katherine at mile 8 is easy to miss! There is another uphill before reaching Lake Katherine (great spot for a picnic). It's easy to lose the trail in that area. At around mile 11, you can add the 2-mile round trip to the top of Baldy if you enjoy suffering. Otherwise, the rest of the trail is fairly easy, with two stream crossings.