Crystal Lake · Angeles National Forest · Sept 18–20, 2026
Eagle Rock Troop 188

Crystal Lake
Campout

Crystal Lake Recreation Area · Angeles National Forest  ·  Sept 18–20, 2026

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Crystal Lake Recreation Area — Angeles National Forest · 5,539 ft elevation · ~1 hour from Eagle Rock via CA-39.
Crystal Lake Cafe open Wed–Mon 8am–5pm for hot meals and supplies. Visitor Center open weekends 9am–4pm. Cash only on site. No cell signal in the canyon.
🚗 Friday, September 18
  • TBD
    Meet at Eagle Rock City Hall
  • TBD
    Depart for Crystal Lake
    ~1 hour via I-210 and CA-39 · no cell signal once in the canyon · fill up gas before entering
  • Evening
    Arrive · set up camp
    Picnic tables and fire rings at each site · potable water available at loop spigots
  • Night
    Campfire · camp orientation
    Bear awareness briefing · leave no trace · campfire safety
⛰ Saturday, September 19
  • 7:00 am
    Wake up · breakfast
    Crystal Lake Cafe opens 8am for hot meals if needed
  • 8:30 am
    Morning hike — Mt. Islip or Windy Gap Trail
    Mt. Islip: ~8 miles round trip, 2,200 ft gain — Windy Gap: ~5 miles, moderate — both start near camp
  • Noon
    Lunch at camp or Crystal Lake Cafe
  • 1:30 pm
    Hike to Crystal Lake for fishing
    1 mile from camp · California state fishing license required · no swimming
  • 3:30 pm
    Free time · explore camp loops
    Visitor Center open 9am–4pm weekends
  • 5:30 pm
    Dinner — camp cooking
    Cooking merit badge opportunity
  • 8:00 pm
    Campfire · stargazing
    5,539 ft with no light pollution — exceptional sky
🌲 Sunday, September 20
  • 7:00 am
    Wake up · breakfast
  • 8:30 am
    Morning activity — second hike or free explore
  • 10:30 am
    Break down camp · leave no trace check
  • Noon
    Depart Crystal Lake
  • ~1:00 pm
    Arrive back in Eagle Rock
Bear country reminder — All food, scented items, and trash must be stored in bear boxes or locked vehicles at all times. Never leave food at your site unattended.

Personal scout kit for a 3-day mountain campout. Leaders handle group water purification and first aid. September nights at 5,500 ft get cold — pack accordingly.

Clothing — layers essential
  • Base layer — synthetic or wool
    No cotton — gets cold when wet at elevation
  • Fleece or mid-layer
    September nights at 5,500 ft can drop to the 40s
  • Rain jacket / windshell
    Mountain weather can change quickly
  • Hiking pants or convertible pants
  • Warm hat and gloves
    For cold mornings and evenings
  • Hiking boots — broken in
    Mt. Islip trail is rocky — no sneakers
  • Wool or synthetic hiking socks × 3 pairs
  • Camp shoes or sandals for around site
  • Change of clothes for each day
Sun protection
  • Sunscreen — SPF 50+
    UV is stronger at elevation
  • Sun hat with brim
  • Sunglasses
Sleeping
  • Sleeping bag — rated to 35°F or lower
    September nights at 5,500 ft — do not underpack this
  • Sleeping pad
  • Small pillow or stuff sack
Hydration
  • Water bottle — 2L minimum
    Potable water at loop spigots — bring enough for the hike
  • Electrolyte packets
    Especially important on the summit hike
Eating
  • Mess kit
    Plate, bowl, cup, utensils
  • Dish soap and small scrubber
  • Personal snacks for hiking
  • Cash for Crystal Lake Cafe
    Hot meals and supplies — cash only, no cards
Gear
  • Headlamp with fresh batteries
  • Pocket knife
  • Daypack for hiking
    Big enough for water, layers, snacks, first aid
  • Trekking poles (optional)
    Helpful on Mt. Islip descent
  • California fishing license (optional)
    Required to fish Crystal Lake — available online at wildlife.ca.gov
Toiletries
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Hand sanitizer
🐻 Bear country: All food and scented items (toothpaste, sunscreen, deodorant) must be stored in bear boxes or locked vehicles — never in tents.

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