Stands of white fir, red fir and Jeffrey pine are interspersed with large mountain meadows, especially in the north-central region and along Helms Creek, and rocky outcroppings often break the skyline. Snow covers most of the area from November until June. Trails are well-suited for stock travel, but natural feed is scarce except in meadows north of First Dinkey Lake and in the vicinity of Nelson Lake. Stock must be camped at least 500 feet from any shoreline. From Courtright Reservoir, the trail up Helms Creek reaches First Dinkey Lake after about 17 miles.
Cattle still graze on sections of the area on permits issued prior to designation.
Firewood will be very difficult to find near the lakes. Take the road on the western side of the reservoir for three miles to the trail that leads up Helms Creek. Sierra National Forest 1600 Tollhouse Rd. Click here to find out how. Copyright Rodale, Inc. 2001.