PHARAOH LAKE & MOUNTAIN hiking, camping, skiing, canoeing + review of the 6 lean-tos.
Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. The area is fairly popular in summer, especially on weekends. Youth camps bring larger groups in at times - they are often noisy - late August into fall should be quieter. Have skied into the lake several times - my 1st wilderness backcountry ski was to Pharaoh Lake - cotton corduroy pants, whiskey at lean-to #5, did not ski well on the way out! The 1st time I climbed Pharaoh Mountain was when there was an observer in the fire tower - the fire tower was knocked down by vandals in 1992 so my my visit was before then - I must be getting old! On the way in from Beaver Pond Rd: Lean-to #1: Classic site, closest to the water. Great view up the lake to Treadway Mtn. Fairly shaded but gets some sun too. Thunderbox is uphill & not too close - had broken lid. Perhaps my favorite. Lean-to #2: A double-wide up & away from the water. Limited view from lean-to but great view of Treadway & Pharaoh Mtns from the rocks at waterside. Thund...