Thinking that it has been a very dry spring, I drove to the Indian Heaven Wilderness. The area is situated on a high plateau, averaging about 5,000 feet in elevation, with many open meadows and over 150 lakes.
Parking at the East Crater Trailhead on the southeast side of the Wilderness, I began hiking northwest through a mountain hemlock forest, with noble fir trees becoming more prevalent as I gained elevation. After one mile I began running into snow on the trail and soon began passing small ponds covered in ice.
Post-holing through snow for another hour I arrived at Junction Lake. It was a beautiful sight with the snow highlighting the southern shore of the large lake. And, to my surprise, most of the snow was melted in the open meadows on the north side of the lake.
After exploring for awhile I headed back to the trailhead. In another month I’ll return and expand my hike to two pretty loops by multiple lakes. I might even see an elk or two.
Junction Lake
Green Comma Butterfly
Pacific Crest Trail
Huckleberry flowers
Snow-covered footbridge
Trailhead and wilderness sign-in
Snow-covered trail
Junction Lake
I turn to your photographs whenever I am writing about nature in one of my stories. They’re vivid, unique, full of potential realistic descriptors, like the footsteps in the snow, colorful wildlife and insects.
Thanks for the kind words Janice. Let me know when you’re in town. We would enjoy seeing you and Rich. It would be fun sharing stories and getting caught up.