Switch backing South up nicely graded trail through thick forest and tall granite features brings us to Rubicon Lake.

Rubicon Lake's tiny size and unique location nestled in between rock and forest on a high flat between opposite direction drainages gives me a feeling of security.

Just South of Rubicon Lake we find the unmarked trail heading Southeast down to Eagle Falls on Highway 89.

This is the first trail

Unmarked Grouse Lake Junction.

The trail to Grouse Lake is blocked by big rocks to keep hikers on the TYT, so they do not accidentally wander off the main trail.

You would be amazed at how many people just wander off the trails.

Keep your eyes open and pay attention.

Out to Eagle Falls

This trail down to Grouse Lake was the old trail around Phipps Peak to the Pacific Crest Trail. Carefully observing the terrain we can see that this trail heads down the canyon towards Eagle Creek past Grouse Lake.

There is no trail from Rubicon Lake to Grouse Lake to Eagle Falls on Highway 89marked on the map. The map indicates steep terrain between the end of the hanging canyon containing Grouse Lake and Eagle Creek below.

I've never hiked this route, but I estimate it is 1.87 miles to Eagle Falls from this unmarked trail junction just a bit South of Rubicon Lake. But I may underestimate the distance. It is likely 2.25 miles.

We can see this trail dropping from Grouse Lake towards Eagle Falls as we hike South and climb higher up towards Phipps Pass.

Check out the 30 minute map for an estimate of the route from observations.

I've never hiked this section of trail down to Eagle Falls via Grouse Lake, but I would anticipate a challenging steep section getting down to Eagle Creek.

If you have information about this route post it up on the

Rubicon Lake Forum.

Backpacking North

Trail Guide

Stony Ridge Lake

Backpacking South

Trail Guide

Phipps Pass