July 20-21, 2012 Eagle Creek/PCT

Each hike now is a new stepping stone towards

our ultimate goal of the entire PCT.  This weekend we decided to see if we could do the "short" section of the northern most part of Oregon's PCT that we missed last year--from Indian Springs to Cascade Locks. Last year, we went from the Springs down Eagle Creek--a beautiful hike but not the "true" PCT so this weekend, we went UP Eagle Creek and down the PCT. We estimated it to be about 15 miles to Wahtum Lake and the same to town, or about 15 miles a day--not too bad of a hike for our first back to back of the season. As usual for us, it didn't go quite as planned...It started with us waiting over an hour in our motel to let the thunder and lightning storm pass...off to a great start. Only a chance of showers...yeah, right.

Leaving our hotel, we hiked the 2 1/2 miles to the Eagle Creek trailhead, passing the Bridge of the Gods landmark.

 The wildlife was slow enough to enable great viewing and photo ops...

 The trail was much like we remembered it, only this year it was wet and misty whereas last year, it was hot and dry. It was also uphill (not super steep, but up) and rocky with some narrow places. It wasn't dangerous, but if you have a fear of heights, you might not enjoy some places.

 The falls were more beautiful this year as there was more water. I guess the rain was worth it. I hated to have to wear the raincoat all day, but glad to have it.

We have photos of this bridge from last year--it earns it's name.

View from High Bridge looking straight down.

 Jeff coming through Tunnel Falls. (above) and Tunnel falls in all it's glory. It's a VERY tall falls. The tunnel is about the middle of the falls. It's really cool--literally!

 

Only problem with the video is that the videographer (me)  claims the wrong place is the tunnel. But you'll notice that when you watch the video!

 Can't remember the name of this falls, but can say again, there was a lot more water this year making for more spectacular falls.

 This short little hike is a water photographer's paradise! It's a wonder we finished it all with all the photo ops!

 One thing to be said of misty/rainy weather, is it makes for good photos! The green, lush forest was simply beautiful. So was the mist in the trees.

 

Not sure what kind of fungi this is, but it looked sort of like a cross between broccoli and cauliflower. This "bunch" was about the size of both my hands put together. Not sure I'd want to eat any of it though...

 As to be expected with all the water, there were numerous creek crossings. We lost count of how many and whereas most were pretty mild, this was one of the wider ones, not deep, just wide. We felt pretty smug that we kept our feet dry until the very last crossing--naturally. My problem was the best photo vantage point always seemed to be in the middle of the stream on the slippery-est rocks.

There was a lot of "boring" trail, just trees and trees and so we'd chat (as well as two people can when walking one behind the other). During/after 8 hours of uphill hiking, I decided that Wahtum Lake was supposed to be "Wantum Lake."   You know, like, "I wantum be there!!" We had to laugh at ourselves when we thought how only about 3 years ago (and 50 pounds for me) a 3 mile hike was a huge undertaking. Today when we reached our goal of 15 miles (at Wahtum Lake) early, we decided to go the extra distance up the PCT to Indian Springs. It would mean adding miles to tomorrow's hike, but hey, we're tough now, right? So by time we made camp, we'd hiked about 20 miles and, according to the pedometer, 50,150 steps.

 

Here is Jeff breaking camp in the morning. We tried leaving the flaps 1/2 open to see it it helped with the condensation. Not much, but the tent looks like it's ready for take-off. Notice the unloaded packs in the background! Typical camp...
 

Wahtum Lake on Saturday morning

Coming up to Indian Springs Friday, it was still foggy and nothing spectacular. Imagine our surprise Saturday when we saw Mt. Hood in all its glory saying "good morning."

Mt. Hood played hide and seek for a few hours. So much prettier today with some sunshine!

Not to be outdone, Mt. Adams made an appearance as well.

Cascade Locks motels were all full due to the regatta this weekend. We were tickled when one of our best viewpoints of the river gave us a bird's eye view of the races! The tiny white flecks are boats! Yahoo, the white one wins!

View from a-waaaaaaay up there!

 This lone white flower seemed to glow in the shady forest.

Jeff resting as I intentionally wade in a creek to cool my hot and tired feet. It was a grueling 15 miles of serious downhill hiking and I was getting discouraged and tired. My feet were getting tired and sore. We hadn't had a creek crossing all day so when I heard the water, I practically ran to the water! I didn't even bother to take off my shoes and socks--it was soooooooo good! The shoes & socks dry quickly and in the mean time serve to refresh me. Sounds weird I know, but it really, truly does feel good and helps a lot!

So, another hike is done. Until the next adventure...

All our love,
Jeff 'n Sue