Yoran Lake via Trapper Creek

Date: Saturday, July 10, 2010
Destination: Yoran Lake/Midnight Lake, Diamond Peak Wilderness

We were camping at Crescent Lake (the one off Hwy 58 near Willamette Pass) for the weekend with D's annual work outing. The lake was much fuller than usual. Much of the lakeshore beaches were underwater as was the small island near Tranquil Cove. Thought we'd get a nice long hike in since we haven't been able to do any so far this season with the low snow levels and hectic schedules. We chose to do the Yoran Lake/Midnight Lake loop in Sullivan's green book, which is a 12.1 mi RT hike with about 1300 ft of elevation gain.

Saturday morning, we downed some instant oatmeal for breakfast and were on our way to the TH by 10a. It was a nice change to be close enough to a trailhead to shave off a couple of hours driving time first. From Hwy 58, we took the West Odell Lake access/Shelter Cove turnoff. The TH parking area was right next to a railroad crossing on the opposite side of the road from the resort's main entrance. There were already several cars parked there, but we managed to find a nice shady spot underneath some trees. Temperature was in the low-70's and sunny skies. After an Amtrak passenger train blew by, we crossed the railroad tracks, which reeked strongly of creosote, to the actual TH on the opposite side of the tracks. A brief stop to fill out the wilderness permit and we were on our way by 10:38a.

The trail starts off with a very easy grade through the usual forest of lodgepole pines and doug firs typical in this area before crossing Trapper Creek over a small footbridge. Lots of water still gushing in the creek towards Odell Lake. Almost immediately, we encountered a small group of backpackers coming down the trail. More level walking for another half mile until we came to the Yoran Lake trail junction. A fallen tree had knocked loose and upside down the trail junction sign and across the trail, but we easily navigated under it and onto the Yoran Lake trail. No views of mountains or lakes or creeks of any kind for the next 3 miles.

The temperature was rising along with the number of mosquitoes. We came prepared with jungle juice and were quite liberal in its application as the little skeeters became more numerous. Luckily, an occasional breeze here and there helped kept them buggers away. We came to the small unnamed lake noted in the book as a bald eagle flew across back and forth just above the lake's trees several times. We weren't quite quick enough with the cameras to get a picture before it flew away. This unnamed lake had a nice little beach area to just sit and hang out in the sun on. The water was clear and shimmery. Spots of white from Diamond Peak could be seen through the treetops. As we left, I decided that since the lake was unnamed, I would name it Braxtyn Lake, after my 2.5 week old nephew, so that he would always have someplace special to go to, if he so desired

Beyond "Braxtyn Lake" about a half mile, we came to Yoran Lake's outlet creek, which was flowing pretty good compared to its description in the book as a "rocky torrent that dries up by July". Rocky torrent, it still was, but no wildflowers to speak of just yet. We headed down the trail some and met a couple headed the other direction w/ identical Osprey backpacks and hiking garb. Another half mile to a fork with a "trail" sign pointed toward a log crossing and a very obvious trail to the left. This was a junction described as another "dry dreek", but was far from being dry this year. We wanted to check out Karen Lake, so we took the left hand fork, which ascended maybe 25 ft alongside a small waterfall in the not-so-dry creek and up to Karen Lake. This was probably my favorite lake of the day. It was probably 3 or 4 times the size of the 1st lake and a bit more open along the shores. The lake was calm with some water bugs skimming across the top here and there. Some pinkish wildflower grew in bushes along the banks. I wished I could have spent the afternoon lying on its banks napping.

Instead, we proceeded on via a short spur trail across Karen Lake's outlet. Not sure of how many opportunities we would have to pick up fresh cool water and not wanting to run out on a warm day, we decided to stop and filter some water from the creek, just in case, and soak our handkerchiefs in the water to help us cool off. Though a light breeze across the lake kept the skeeters at bay while we filled our water bladders, it was also here that the mosquitoes began to be more aggressive, although not terrible. As soon as we left the creek's bank, the skeeters sprang into action, but it was the worst we'd encounter all day. We pulled out the jungle juice as quickly as we could and got going towards Yoran Lake.

A short spur path led us to the first view of Yoran Lake and a snow-topped Diamond Peak. There was still plenty of snow on the mountain, though quite a bit has melted since we saw it two weeks ago. On the far end of the lake, a couple of bare tops peeked over the trees. Anyone know if they have names? Some more picture taking here, although the harsh lighting pretty much made the snow way overexposed in all of our photo attempts. We bushwacked along the eastern shore of Yoran Lake and pretty much stayed as high as possible until we couldn't any more and then scrambled down between some large rocks just after losing sight of the island behind us. We'd stop on occasion to check the compass since there was only one island visible in the lake instead of the two described in the book. We guessed that it was probably underwater due to all the late snow.

Following the compass true north, we could see the tread on the opposite side of a boggy meadow and avoided the sticky muck by staying to the left, near a small grove of trees/bushes. We crested the small bench on the opposite side to a view of Lils Lake, a tiny body of water with a small island (maybe 3 feet across at most) in the middle that had pink blooms. Some more bushwacking followed as we stayed high along the left side of Lils Lake. Here and there I'd stop to peek through the trees to see the shape of the lake. There was a small cover with a short cliff that looked like a good swimming hole, if it was deep enough. It wasn't long before we were on the PCT headed towards Pengra Pass.

There are so many small lakes and ponds along this stretch that I just gave up trying to take pictures of all of them and rely only on my memory bank instead. We visited Hidden Lake about a mile down the trail, near the two of three official branded wooden PCT signs on this stretch. There were some backpackers at Arrowhead Lake enjoying the afternoon reading books and playing on the shore. Somewhere along the way, we completed missed the turnoff to Midnight Lake. But we saw so many ponds and lakes that it was just fine with us to save it for another day. We saw only one other person the rest of the way. He had parked at Gold Lake, near Pengra Pass, and was intending on trying his luck fishing. This back stretch had some obscured views of a forested canyon, but was otherwise uneventful.

We reached the Pengra Pass junction where it meets a rutted dirt road. Ironically, shooting stars were everywhere along the roadside here, the most flowers we'd seen all day. Some lupines were also beginning to bloom. Another turn onto a trail marked by blue ski diamonds and a shady forest. We were back at the Yoran Lake trail junction another 1.3 miles later and back at the Trapper Creek TH around 4:45p. We took our time to change out of our sweaty, deet-soaked garb, enjoyed a couple of cool refreshing Pepsi's, and corn dogs from the Crescent Lake store en route back to the campground by about 5:45p.

Resurrection

It's late on Sunday evening, well, wee hours of Monday morning really and I've stumbled upon the blog I started several years ago. With all good intentions of maintaining it, like many other things I've touched upon, this one had been neglected for over two years now. My original intent was to keep this up like I used to keep a journal when I was young, and to help remember all of the great things I've had an opportunity to enjoy.

For a while, my blog entries were full of trip reports when I took up hiking as a regular activity. Since then, I've managed to capture those hiking trips with photos and rely on the memories of others who shared them with me when reminiscing. I have now made trips to Colorado to visit J and summit 14ers an annual ritual for the past 3 years now. I now have 4 14ers on my belt and hoping for a couple more this summer. D and I also enjoyed a most memorable backpacking trip to the Wallowas last summer. We had planned a week-long 60 mile backpacking trip that ended up shortened to 3days/2nights once we realized how overpacked we were. Lucky for us, we stepped back into town just as a major rainstorm hit the mountains and continued non-stop rain and lightning for the next 4 days. One of the most memorable parts of that trip was catching my first two brook trout in Douglas Lake - one for each of us to enjoy :-)

I've also learned to crochet and knit over the last year and a half. It has become one of the best ways for me to ignore the rest of the world while my mind goes blank. k1, p1, k1, p1, sc, dc,.. I never thought in my life that I would enjoy these two crafts so much., but now I happily and proudly create wearables for my friends and family to enjoy. It gives me a great sense of accomplishment.

Of the new things I've tried and learned to enjoy over the last few years, none comes close to what I've learned about myself as a person. I've changed a bit over the years. I'm less tolerant of the little things that didn't use to bother me. I feel forgetful at times. My mind tends to wander and sometimes lack focus. It's strange growing older. I've also learned that I could have hidden feelings about some things that I didn't realize. When D's father passed away earlier this year, I felt emotionally detached from it all at first. I felt guilty that I wasn't as sad as I thought I should. It wasn't that I didn't care, I just didn't know how to feel or what to feel, at first... It was strange how that first week went by, then all of a sudden a waterfall of emotions hit and the tears came without warning. I realize now that I was in shock for those first few days. Then I was okay again. Then a few weeks ago, we were sitting in the living room at the house, and I realized how quiet and empty it felt without his dad there. It made my eyes well up with tears thinking about whom we had lost. I suppose this is pretty normal, but the first time is never like any time after that.

What's in store for 2008?

• Mt. Scott
• Mt. McLaughlin
• Mt. Bailey
• Mt. Adams
• Another 14er?

the latest in the life of Hop Along

Two weeks ago to the day, I had a bone spur removed from the tip of my right tibia. Of the half dozen nurses and medical personnel I saw that day, the one that was supposed to put in my IV tried 3 times before she got it in correctly on top of my left hand. I now have a track of needle marks and a long bruise on my left arm to show for it.

Two weeks ago minus one day, I got a fever. I was feeling chills, then hot, then chills, then hot over and over again for most of the morning. My temperature shot up a full degree to 102.8 in one hour while I waited for the surgeon's office to call me back. His office called back and told me I must've gotten the flu. Call my primary care physician for help instead.

Two weeks ago minus two days, I took my first shower after surgery. It felt grrrrreat! My fever broke later that day and I finally got a good night's sleep in a warm bed.

Two weeks ago minus three days, I started walking a bit without the aid of crutches. I limped and hobbled around my house. I looked outside and saw the beautiful sunny weather. I sat near the window wishing I could go outside and play while my butt got sore and achy from having to sit all day long. At night, D drove me to Target to get some sundry items. I got to yell at D to slow down and wait for gimpy me to catch up.

Two weeks ago minus four days, I took my first stroll around my neighborhood in the beautiful Northwest fall weather. Many leaves had fallen, orange, yellow, red.. all brilliant colors. It was sunny with a gentle crisp in the air. Man, I never knew it could take so damn long to walk a single mile!

Two weeks ago minus five days, I continued to ice my ankle, stretch my achy butt muscles, and rested some more.

Two weeks ago minus six days, I drove my car for the first time in a week. I went to the bookstore. I went to the Starbucks down the street. I went to watch my team play basketball and cheered them on as they won in double OT then sudden death. I took a few sips of a glass of reisling by a warm wood stove, ate tater tots, and talked with my friend for a while.

One week ago to the day, I returned to work, only to find out paperwork issues would send me back home later that day. Then I baked some chocolate chip cookies.

Six days ago, I realized that listening to classical music helps me read. I bought a new Mozart CD and played it over and over and over again while I read. And I thought about how much enjoyed playing the piano when I was little. And how much I missed having my cherry colored Yamaha upright.

Five days ago, my doctor told me I can start doing rehab exercises and return to work. But he also told me to slow down and let my ankle heal. But I can do some resistance exercises and even bowl. Maybe some running on a treadmill or EFX in two more weeks and then maybe basketball or volleyball in four more weeks. I was so excited I couldn't wait to tell D when I got home.

Four days ago, I returned to work. It was a very long day and I felt quite stressed out. I left work at 6:15pm, went home, and had some chamomile tea to help me sleep.

Three days ago, it was Friday again. Work was a little better that day. I felt more caught up with work. D was away hunting. I went bowling with my teammates, did very very horrible bowling-wise, but had some great times laughing at myself with my bowling friends. I went home, had some more chamomile tea, and fell asleep.

Two days ago, I woke up at the normal time, made paper plate awards and went to watch a basketball game with A. Then Dad came and joined me for the 2nd game. It is always fun to watch games at MacCourt. The scoreboard shakes when the crowd gets really loud. I went to the store and bought some food for dinner. Chamomile tea was my nighttime friend once again.

One day ago, it was my last day of freedom. Oregon was ranked #2 in the latest BCS. I watched the Arizona State women play basketball and wished I could play like them. At the gym, I tried to bench press, but my left shoulder wouldn't let me. But I got to sweat for a while on the stationary bike, worked out my upper body and abs, did resistance band exercises for my ankle, and felt good about my day. D came home from his trip and I was no longer lonely again.

Things are back to normal... kind of

Mt Defiance

Every hike is a little bit different. Some have panoramic views of mountains, lakes, and valleys. Others offer the serenity and isolation from everyday civilization. For this one, just let the pictures do the talking...

Date: Saturday, September 8, 2007
Destination: Mt. Defiance summit, 5,584 ft, highest point in Columbia Gorge

We began our day at the Starvation Creek trailhead, which sits neatly alongside Interstate 84 about an hour east of Portland. Our goal was to hike up the Mt. Defiance Trail to the summit, then return via Warren Lake and the Starvation Creek trail.

The trail began by backtracking and following the interstate for about 1/4 mile to an area anchored by several beautiful waterfalls. According to my hiking book, Hole-in-the-Wall Falls (see on left) was created when ODOT diverted Warren Creek through a tunnel in an adjacent cliff. There's also a cool little tree shaped like a wishbone that is quite fun to sit on and take silly pictures.

About 1/2 mile further along the Mt Defiance trail is Lancaster Falls, which actually runs into the trail's path. Its fan-like shape reminded me of Sahalie Falls along the McKenzie Highway, but with less greenery. While I was attempting to take a photo, an excited dog ran up the trail and startled me! Not too far past this pretty little stretch of waterfalls, the trail steepens as it climbs the ridge along the Columbia Gorge. Views of the river below were pretty awesome on this clear day.


After about 2.5 miles of unrelenting switchbacks, a short spur from the trail leads to a small viewpoint. I am not sure what the peak is immediately across the river, but it provided for some great shots. If you look carefully, Mt St. Helens can be seen in the distance. Switchbacks continue for 2 miles or so up the ridge before emerging onto the shoulder of a talus slope. From left to right, views here include Mt St. Helens, a distant Mt Rainier, and a slightly obscured view of Mt Adams. It was a nice change from the dense forest earlier.


Falls colors were already settling in as we passed a huge talus field about 1 mile from the summit (less than 1/4 mile before the summit trail cutoff). The microwave towers on the summit were clearly visible from this point. Here, the Gorge view extended from Hood River to The Dalles in the east.

Somewhat anti-climatic, the summit was anchored by a couple of small utility buildings, microwave towers, and some unsightly backhoes and port-o-potties. What a terrible way for a first time view! There is also a dirt road here from somewhere down below for those who want the view, but not the work. We walked around to the southeast side of the summit and was captivated by the panoramic views of Mt Hood and the valley below. Like many other places in Oregon, golden mantle ground squirrels ran amok begging for food from hikers. We posed for summit pictures and refueled on my sister's yummy peanut butter sandwiches before beginning our descent.

We chose an alternate route from the summit that took us around the west side for an overview of Bear Lake. Lots of talus crossings here, but very level and easily followed. Back on the main trailhead we went toward Warren Lake, a little slice of heaven on the shoulder of Mt Defiance. The shores are dotted with several cozy campsites. Although we didn't see any actual fish in the lake, the made their presence known with occasional water bubbles here and there.

We took the Starvation Ridge trail for the return trip to the trailhead. The scenery was quite different from the Mt Defiance trail along the other ridge. The forest floor here were much more open and the ground covering much greener from the additional sunshine. About 1.5 mile from the trailhead, around 7:30pm, dusk began to set in, gradually dimming what light there was on the forest floor. The ridge was a bit steep and slippery in places. Luckily, I had brought my trusty headlamp to guide us down the ridge. I would trek ahead of my sis and bro-in-law a few yards, then shine my headlamp back along the trail so that they can follow suit.

Just before the final series of switchbacks began, we reached an exposed viewpoint that overlooked the Columbia River and the interstate below. The night view was beautiful. I'll bet it is even better and more dramatic than the daylight view. Around 8:30pm, we descended onto flat ground for the main trailhead.