Wahtum Lake at Junction of Pacific Crest Trail and Eagle Creek Trail
After a good night’s mosquito-free sleep, Day 4 (Wednesday 7/28/2010) started with us feeling good and refreshed. We headed out of camp at about 7:30-8:00am. We had a nice granola breakfast and broke camp along the Pacific Crest Trail toward the junction of the PCT and Eagle Creek trail. (As you can see by the photo above, we made it!)
Lost Lake from Bull Run (Devil's Pulpit or Preacher's Peak, I think)
“BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!” *swat!* “Damn it!” “BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!” *swat!* “Damn it!” “BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!” *swat!* “OK, is anyone else up?!?!” “Yes!” “I am!” “Are you guys ready to get moving?!?” “I’m ready!” “Let’s go!”… Day 3 started early–like 5:30am early! The mosquitoes at Salvation Springs were relentless all through the night. We skipped the tent, slept close to the smoldering smoky fire and covered every inch of skin, but the mosquitoes never gave up through the night and were already regrouping for another attack, so we packed up and moved out–walking breakfast by 6:00am. By the way, Peanut Butter Cliff Bars are probably the worst walking breakfast ever, dry and sticky–probably would have gone better with coffee.
We got to see Lost Lake through the trees and Mt. Hood in the early morning light, and there was a slight breeze coming down from the mountain keeping the mosquitoes at bay which was very welcome at this point! I’m not sure if this Lost Lake view was from Preacher’s Peak or Devil’s Pulpit, we didn’t want to stop for very long, so I didn’t get to match it up with the map. Paula and I camped over at Lost Lake two or three years ago with the canoe.
Mt. Hood from the Sandy River Canyon
Morning came on Day 2 of our Pacific Crest Trail backpacking trip and we awoke at our campsite along the Rushingwater Creek near the Sandy River crossing. Brian made some excellent granola that we enjoyed for breakfast. After packing up camp we headed out to ford the Sandy River.
Brian, Dan and I preparing to start the Pacific Crest Trail from Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood
Day 1 of our Pacific Crest Trail Backpacking trip began up on Mt. Hood at Timberline Lodge. Originally, we planned to start the Pacific Crest Trail backpacking trip at Timberline Lodge, however, two weeks prior, Paula and I went on a reconnaissance mission up to Mt. Hood to check the snow levels, and found the trail completely buried by at least 2 to 4 feet of snow. Beyond the ski area, the trail was unrecognizable, so we planned to take the Paradise Park Trail #778 up the mountain to meet the PCT below Paradise Park. We planned on checking out Timberline Lodge anyway before starting the journey, and when we arrived, we were very surprised to find the trail was almost totally clear. As a result, we made a game-time decision to start the trip from the original spot.
Paula at Lower Punchbowl Falls on Eagle Creek
Paula and I headed North East to Eagle Creek (5/30/2010) to scout out the end of the trail for the Pacific Crest Trail backpacking trip in late July. Dan, Brian and I plan to start at Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood and backpack all the way down and around, ending at the Eagle Creek trailhead. I wanted to show Paula where Eagle Creek was so she’d know where to pick us up, as well as take a quick hike up the trail to see what the terrain would be like. So, off we went.