.Hike Mondays.: July 2016

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

INDIAN HEAVEN LAKE LOOP HIKE: JULY 2016

Here is your link for the 16 mile lake loop hike which we completed last week.

http://www.nwhiker.com/GPNFHike63.html

The most important thing to know about this hike is THERE ARE A SHIT TON OF MOSQUITOES. Most people know that, this is a well known program up in the Indian Heaven Wilderness Area--but I just wanted to remind everyone, it's not a joke, may want to bring the deet for this one. Whether you are in the sun, shade, near water, doesn't really matter, it's a party. If you come later in the season, closer to September, it usually eases up and doing an overnighter would be a bit more manageable in the bug department.

The road getting here was a little rough in spots, so bring the four wheel drive, and a good map. You will pass what seems like about 20 lakes on the hike, I lost count. They are all beautiful, and if you decide to do an overnight backpacking trip, you could most definitely have a private lake to yourself. How lucky are we to be surrounded by these magic areas?

We did the 16 mile dog bone in a little over 5 hours. We were moving fairly quick and could not stop because of the bugs, so no lunch or nap breaks :)

We also spotted a ton of elk tracks on the trail, and a few cougar tracks freshly scattered in the mud nearby, so keep an eye out!

Thomas Lake

One of the many meadows, we were blessed with perfect weather.

Thomas Lake, right before a duck tried to kill Greg.

Very cool old PCT flash.

One of the many lovely lakes, didn't get the name of all of these! Will try and get my map and add later :)

Greg is part mountain goat.

Pretty new trailhead signs.

Monday, July 11, 2016

ENCHANTMENT LAKES 2016: Stuart Zone

I have been slacking in getting pictures and trip reports up on the blog. I promise it's not due to a lack of hiking or adventure town, I've just had a lot on my plate, because I am a lucky soul who is blessed with work and projects.

Several of us entered the Enchantment Lakes lottery this year, and a few of us were awarded permits. We only ended up with permits for the Stuart Zone, for late June, and early October. The following are some pictures from our late June trip.

Here is the website for the permit application in case you are interested in applying,

.... (CLICK HERE) I'VE ALSO NCLUDED AN EXCERPT FROM THE WEBSITE BELOW...

Overnight Permit Season Expanded

Starting this year, the limited entry overnight permit season for the Enchantment Permit Area will increase by six weeks to help manage increased visitor use and resulting resource damage at this popular destination. Permits for overnight stays will now be required from May 15 through October 31.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of this unique area, all overnight visitors must obtain a limited entry FEE permit for trips planned between May 15 and October 31. Demand for overnight permits far exceeds the number available, therefore advance reservations are highly recommended. A pre-season lottery is held in February through early March of each year to allocate the majority of permits. Following the pre-season lottery, remaining permits are available on a first come, first served basis through the recreation.gov advance reservation system. A small number of permits are available on an unreserved daily walk-in basis.

PLEASE BE AWARE: While permits may be reserved as early as May 15th, early spring snow and weather conditions may not allow road access to the Stuart Lake or Eight-mile Lake trailheads during the early part of the season. Even if road access is possible, traveling and camping on snow is highly likely during May and June. Please familiarize yourself with the change and cancellation policy if you choose to apply for permits during the early spring or late fall.