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.

Trillium Lake, Mt. Hood; Snowless February 2015

Trillium Lake is generally a snowshoeing trail this time of year, but it has been a crazy warm/dry year in the PNW, so although it was a bit soggy out today, the road to Trillium, although closed to vehicular traffic, was almost comletely snow-free. It's a quick 2 miles (or so) from the gate to the lake. There is also a 1.9 mile loop around the lake which we have done before, but didn't have the daylight to do it this time.

Maggie and Virginia in the usual pose



Maggie testing out the ice

This ice patch looks just like an upside down salmon

Klickitat River Trail, South Cascades, Columbia Gorge, Washington

We visited the Klickitat River Trail this week, and were treated with warm weather, gorgeous views, and found some bone treasures. Click the link for details on the trail.

http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/klickitat-rail-trail

The Wild and Scenic Klickitat River. 

There is a sign about leashing your dogs on the trail (this is Chloe just before leashing I promise!) Apparently they have had a few unfortunate incidents involving dogs on the trail this last season, whether it be from rattlsnakes, or "unfriendly neighbors with guns that don't want dogs on their property". Regardless, we kept them on leash the whole way, we only went 2 miles there and back, but the trail goes for 10.5 miles, so perhaps there are some sketchy areas further in.

Using my new Goodwill binoculars that I got for $6.00!!! To watch the natives catch Chinook Salmon. There were DIY platforms all over the river, and they had so many salmon, this must be a hot spot!

Tim took this picture of the Native Lady Fisherman, using the digital camera, through the binocular lense, pretty cool!

some of the platforms you can see all down the river.

Bone treasures! So beautiful.

Back Home and in full Cuddle Puddle mode.

EAGLE CREEK: Spawning Chinook: October 2014

Over the past few months, we've been on a quest to find the the best spots to catch the salmon running. We have taken family and friends to the ladder windows at  Bonneville Dam, as well as the Bonneville hatchery to catch a glimpse of the hard working fishies. We visited Eagle Creek in late October to find a massive amount of very tired, and very determined, mostly Chinook, salmon. 

(and also several very dead, if you can't handle heavy smells maybe this isn't for you, or at least just stay further down the creek towards the river).



Flying Salmon!