I enjoyed a wonderful day in the Indian Heaven Wilderness. It was the last weekend of summer with sunshine quickly burning off the low-lying clouds.
Huckleberries were ripe with their leaves turning crimson in the early morning light. There were scattered signs of black bears and many fresh tracks of elk to see.
I began the hike at the Thomas Lake Trailhead on the west side of Indian Heaven. The 32 square-mile Wilderness lies between Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens. It contains over 150 lakes and has many large, open meadows to explore.
After hiking several miles to the east, while passing multiple lakes, I followed a faint path across the meadows to Junction Lake and the Pacific Crest Trail. From there it was a relatively easy hike southerly to Blue Lake located below Gifford Peak.
After finding a nice spot in the sunshine, I laid back, ate a snack and marveled at the deep blue color of the lake. Reluctantly, I put my daypack on and savored every inch of the loop trail returning to the Trailhead.
Indian Heaven remains one of the prettiest autumn areas near Portland.
Blue Lake (where did it get its name?)
Colorful Huckleberry leaves framing the view of a small pond
Trail leading through an open meadow
Ripe Huckleberries
East Crater Mountain (a small pond is in the crater of the old volcano)
Reflections in a lake along the trail
Freshly recycled Huckleberries (thanks to a black bear)
Scarlet Huckleberry leaves near a small lake
Early morning sunlight shining through the trees
Gorgeous! There is nothing like seeing those meadows with autumn huckleberry foliage. I love your early morning shot through the trees. Did you camp? If so, where?
Thanks Debbie. Early morning hours are a photographers delight, especially when the sun is breaking through the clouds. I didn’t camp this time, but Junction Lake makes a good place to set up a tent.
John,
I get such pleasure not only in your pictures but your narratives to.
Blessings
Ed Lyon
Community Director, FCA Ventura County
P.O. Box 6033, Ventura, CA 93006
805-746-4725
elyon@fca.org
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Thank you John, I was up to Indian Race Track a couple of weeks ago (with Randy Roach and Steve Oliver) and we had a grand time, but for the wasps. took a couple of weeks before the sting went away. Love your pics!
Thanks Geoff. It was cool enough when I was there that the bees and other bugs were down. It was truly a gorgeous day. I should have taken a tent and stayed overnight.
Can’t pick a favorite in this batch! They are ALL super, super!!!