From the Van Vleck Trailhead Parking Area back out ot the road and go east to the locked gate before the culvert at Tells Creek. Follow the road past the locked gate for approximately one-half mile to the Y intersection. Follow the road to the left and then take an immediate left on the logging skid road (approximately 75 feet from the Y intersection). The skid road follows the north fence line of Van Vleck Ranch. The trail goes north over a saddle and through a logged area and then heads easterly following the south side of a large meadow. Head in a northerly direction on the west side of the big meadow, cross the small creek and follow the skid road through the logged over area for approximately 0.4 miles to where the trial enters from the west. Once on the trail here you won't have any problem following it to Loon Lake. The trail has several short climbs and descents but the overall grade is fairly steady. There are several scenic overlooks of the south fork of the Rubicon drainage and Chipmunk ridge. After crossing the south fork of the Rubicon Creek the trail climbs at an easy grade to Loon Lake.