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.

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. 

Colchuck Lake

Jeremy's friend, the very un-shy Buck

View from lookout just outside of Colchuck

From the trail to Stuart Lake, looking up and over the pass.

View from our campsite on Stuart Lake.

Hiking back down from Horseshoe Lake. Fun group this year!

At the Stuart Lake Trailhead with Adam and Dale.

Colchuck Lake in all it's glory.

STRAWBERRY LAKE(wildfire weekend): via Fossil/John Day/Strawberry Mountains

Some late photos of our trip to Strawberry Lake and the Strawberry Mountains last month. Click the Portland Hikers link for more information. Strawberry Mountain Loop. We had to delay this trip the first week because of several uncontrolled wildfires in the area, we passed several brand new fires on our drive out, and back home on this trip. (see pictures below). We are so grateful for all the selfless fire workers and volunteers, and can't imagine how hard they are all working to try and keep us, and all the animals in the area as safe as possible. Thank you!

Chloe the camo Basset.

Smoky Oregon.

Giant Bug friends. He kept trying to play Yahtzee with us. I approve.

This may have been the Murderer's Creek/Wilderness Fire, or the beginning of it.

Murderer's Creek Wildfire. Malhuer National Forest.

SIOUXON CREEK HIKE ("SOO-sahn"): Gifford Pinchot swimming, hiking, biking, great family spot!

LINK FOR DIRECTIONS: http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Siouxon_Creek_Hike

We originally found the information about this hike in this book. Best book ever for people like us, who generally stick around the greater Portland region and can't go in too far (because of Chloe's 6" long legs). Anywho, Siouxon Creek! Awesome spot. We only went about 2.2 miles in to Siouxon Falls, which is a pretty triple tier fall that has some pools you can take a dip in. We set up camp on a ledge below the falls. It was great to hear the falls rushing down while we fell asleep. The water here, while nowhere close to warm, seems to be a bit warmer than other area waterways, like the Clackamas or Washougal.

There are millions of swimming holes along this hike. We picked one randomly that offered a great sunny spot to cool of on a hot day. We'll definitely be back!

View from the top

The last bit of trail looking down to our campsite.

Chloe was sad about it.

Chloe dug her self a bed for a pre-bed nap.

Mountain goat-dogs

View from camp.

Virginia contemplating her existence.

So many beautiful pools along the hike.

Ferngully

One of several spots to access the creek and go for a dip!

Miners Lettuce all over the place lining the forest roads!

This was my old faithful Jansport's last backpacking trip. Time to get fancy with a newer pack. These things will sure last a million years though. I'm just ready for the comfort and the lighter weight of a modern pack.

As mentioned, we only made it to the first falls. We had intended to get up early and go further along the trail to Chinook Falls, but Tim slept waaaaay late, and then spent the rest of the afternoon tying knots and swimming, so that plan didn't quite work out.

Quick side note: You'll probably be surprised at the number of cars at the trailhead lot, because it's pretty far from anywhere. Most of these cars are likely going to be day-use folks, as it's a pretty popular mountain bike trail. There are multiple camping spots all along the trail at pretty regular intervals, so you'll find a spot! 

I almost forgot! Lots of awesome critters up here! Found this centipede hanging out midnight-ish. Also saw a northern red backed-salamander with a bright yellow back! No Sasquatch yet :(