The smoke was looking to be bad at Steven’s Pass so I hopped on the PCT at Timberline instead after work on Thursday. Hiked 4 miles and set up camp. After the PCT departs the Timberline Trail, it enters a majestic forest heading towards Timothy Lake. Just before dusk the wind picked up and I received a possible thunderstorm warning. Luckily I packed my rain jacket.
Decided to take some side quests today and explore the lakes. Little Crater Lake was 🤯 and had crystal clear water that looked blue. Hiked around Timothy Lake. So many campgrounds and sites, including FS disbursed camping on the back side of the lake. The lake is much bigger than I expected. Ended with 25 miles.
@andrewbriscoe 😍 Thank you for these mementos! You're the only other person I know who actually went to Little Crater Lake (most of my OR friends only knew about it, but never been there). Such a peaceful little gem, esp. when the light is right (and if you don't forget to pack your polarization filter, like I did... :)
@toxi I love your photo! I might have heard of it before but I didn’t know it was there until I saw the signs along the PCT. I came really close to skipping it but so glad I didn’t.
@andrewbriscoe Thank you, I only made it there (and Timothy Lake) once as a little halfday excursion on my way down to Smith Rock & Bend. Sad I couldn't stay longer and explore the area more...
I’m enjoying this section of the Pacific Crest Trail a lot more than I thought I would. All of the lakes I’ve seen are a backpacker’s paradise. Many of the people out here are not hiking the PCT. You can really see from these photos why they call them the Twin Lakes. My wrist and pinky injured last weekend are mostly healed. Being careful.
I woke up to the smell of smoke from a recent wildfire on Mount Hood. 😡 Hiked 9 miles back up to Timberline Lodge where the air was fresh again. I now understand why people complain about this section of trail. At times it’s so sandy it’s like walking straight up a dune. But so many lakes and side trails in this area I still need to explore.
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