[Majer:Danjer]

Two weekends ago I hiked out to scout the camping conditions at Sawyer Pond, I had never been there so I wanted to see what I was in for. This past weekend some buddies and I hiked out and decided to spend the night. What a difference two weeks makes! The first time I had gone there, there wasn't a soul around, the place was clean and peaceful with plenty of firewood around. This past weekend, we left the trailhead early Saturday morning with the intentions of staying the night. Upon arrival to the pond there was only one open site. And you could definately see and hear the impact of other campers in the area (noise and litter pollution). I couldn't imagine what that place must be like between Memorial Day and Labor Day! There was a fine mist all day Saturday but the sky finally cleared and let the stars shine through late that night. We were entertained by the calls of a coyote all through the night coming from a ridge across the pond. We packed up early Sunday morning and hit the trail to avoid the traffic jam of hikers.

All in all, it was a great time, although next time we'll be looking for somewhere a little less populated.

[3/4 time]

The last time I was out there all but two spots were taken. It was noisy and like you mentioned, there was a litter problem. Even the shelter was full. We didn’t stay. On the trail back to the parking lot we ran into several groups heading out planning to spend the night. That was a summer weekend. It is a beautiful spot, thus the crowds. Maybe the trick is to camp midweek in the fall.

[Soulfrk]

3/4 time, on 19 May 2010 - 07:15 AM, said:

The last time I was out there all but two spots were taken. It was noisy and like you mentioned, there was a litter problem. Even the shelter was full. We didn’t stay. On the trail back to the parking lot we ran into several groups heading out planning to spend the night. That was a summer weekend. It is a beautiful spot, thus the crowds. Maybe the trick is to camp midweek in the fall.

Friends and I went out in June. 3 of us hiked out Friday during the and had the place to ourselves that night, and a few more hiked in Saturday to join us. By Saturday evening it was full, but not too noisy

The reason we picked this destination was because we where introducing some people to back-country camping. It's pretty good way to gauge someones level of comfort with camping when the car isn't 20 feet away. The little amount of effort it takes to get up there makes it appealing to more people, thus the crowds.

It's not the place I'd go for solitude, I guess we have to work a bit harder for that.