Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Blood suckers?

Does anyone know the current mosquito levels in Mt. Whitney and / or the JMT?

I heard it was pretty bad a few weeks ago and wanted to see if there was any improvement.

Was on the mountain Aug. 1st thru 3rd and camped at Lone pine lake. Bugs werent a problem until the sun went down. Coming down the trail between the lake and the portal after dark they were pretty thick.

Was on the mountain Aug. 1st thru 3rd and camped at Lone pine lake. Bugs werent a problem until the sun went down. Coming down the trail between the lake and the portal after dark they were pretty thick.

I was up there August 1-3 too. Camped at Outpost camp both nights, did not get bitten once, and I was not using repellent. Go figure.

Up on the weekend of August 9-11. Camped at Horse shoe meadows and the Portal. Also did a hike to the summit. We saw a few mosquitoes, but not many. Bob R. said they would be dying out by now and he was right.

Rip Van Hiker,
Were you in the party that was fishing at Lone Pine Lake? One of you guys had a "Trek" cycling jersey, yes? Just curious if I have the right folks in mind.

By the way, I had no problems w/ blood suckers on the main trail Aug. 1-3.
L

I was up in the Cottonwood Lakes area last weekend. They were around but not fierce. Not a bite, 100% DEET and Permethrin on clothing is very effective.

They'll be gonzo in a couple of weeks.

Bill

Bill I was in the Cottonwood Lakes area on Monday and the skeeters were terrible enough around South Fork to force my nephew and I to smear ourselves with DEET.

My inexperienced little nephew accidentally sprayed his bite valve with DEET, too. I'll tell you about it later, right now I need a beer!

Sunday on a mid-day hike to Lone Pine Lake bugs were not an issue.

Hey Lawaneke , That was us you saw at the lake. And might I add that the fishing was great. Lone Pine Lake is definately a great place to acclimate.