Carson-Iceberg Proposed Wilderness Additions
 Size:
Approximately 35,200 acres.
Managing agency: Stanislaus and Humboldt-Toiyabe
National Forests.
Location: Noble Canyon addition:
North boundary of the Carson Iceberg Wilderness, south of Highway 4. Bald Peak
addition: Along the southern edge of Carson-Iceberg Wilderness in Tuolumne County.
Description:
- A candidate Research Natural Area for white fir is contained
within the Bald Peak area.
- The Pacific Crest Trail crosses a corner of the Bald Peak
area near Sonora Pass.
- The Forest Service has recommended Bald Peak for wilderness
designation, and acknowledges the important wildlife habitat for sensitive
species and high quality primitive recreation for thousands of visitors every
year.
- Because of the extensive existing trail system, the Bald Peak
area is very popular with hikers and hunters.
Featuring Bald Peak and Red Peak, the Bald Peak area presses against the crest
of the Sierra Nevada, stretching from the Clark Fork of the Stanislaus River
across to Sonora Pass. Most of the area is granite outcrops, with scattered
high-elevation conifers, brushfields, and ground covers. The north-facing slope
that hangs above the Clark Fork is heavily forested, with one of the region's
best examples of white fir conifer stands.
Because deer rely on the area during warm weather, the Bald Peak area is one of the most popular backcountry hunting areas in the Sonora Pass region. Eight miles of maintained trails exist within the area. The area provides diverse, high quality habitat for spotted owl, goshawk, fisher, pine marten, wolverine and red fox.
The Forest Service has said: "The natural integrity and apparent naturalness of this area are very high. Opportunities for solitude are high. The area's rugged character, canyons, and mountains provide excellent topographic screening. Hikers on trails are seldom in sight of each other. Opportunities for primitive recreation are also high."
The Noble Canyon proposed addition to the Carson Iceberg Wilderness
contains volcanic cliffs that run along the crest of the Sierra and the rugged and
majestic Silver and Highland Peaks. These two peaks form part of the border
between Noble Canyon and the existing wilderness and are prominent
landmarks from as far away as Carson City, Nevada. Within the Noble Canyon
area, wildflower gardens thrive late into the summer fed by numerous
springs seeping out of the volcanic cliffs. Hummingbird moths and
hummingbirds can be seen feeding on the wildflowers. The craggy cliffs attract
and shelter mountain lions and prairie falcons, and adjacent alpine meadows are
prime summer habitat for deer.
 Noble Canyon is heavily forested with ancient red fir, lodgepole pine
and juniper. In some locations the junipers reach massive proportions. Over a
dozen bow trees (trees formerly used by Native Americans to cut blanks for
bows) are located in the secluded section of the canyon. The forest provides
shelter for the California spotted owl, black bear, and pine marten. Noble
Creek offers fine pan-sized native trout fishing for anglers, and Noble Lake is a
popular destination for family day hikes and backpackers with fine views of
Raymond Peak and the peaks just east of Lake Tahoe. This area also offers
protection for approximately five miles of the Pacific Crest Trail.
For additional information, please contact:
California Wilderness Coalition
info@calwild.org
Or:
John Buckley
Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center
Box 396
Twain Harte, CA 95383
Phone: (209) 586-7440
Email: cserc@sonnet.com
www.cserc.org
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Just three miles off of Interstate 80, 
