The Meeks Table Research Natural Area is in the William O. Douglas Wilderness.
After several days of heavy rain and wind storms in the Central Cascades of Washington State, I had one last day to do a hike.
I’ve been visiting the Meeks Table area in the Rattlesnake Creek drainage for many a year. It’s situated in the eastern most portion of the Wilderness with a dryer, Ponderosa Pine-dominated environment.
After a relatively short, steep and rugged hike to the top of the mesa, I spent a few hours exploring the plateau.
Wildlife, birds, lizards and snakes often can be seen. But, due to the stormy conditions, not this day.
Still, it was a fun place to visit. Views extended to the Rattlesnake Mountains and McDaniel Lake.
Beavers have been busy on Rattlesnake Creek
Typical rock formation in the Rattlesnake area
Turkey Vulture having a snack (a very suspicious elk carcass)
Trail ascending a steep talus slope
The lower end of Meeks Table above McDaniel Lake
An old wooden fence
One of the Rattlesnake Mountains
Looking down on McDaniel Lake from Meeks Table
Meeks Table
A rainy day at the Lodge
Beautiful shots! What do you think killed the elk? Bear?
I suspect the elk was killed by a human. It’s possible it was hit by a vehicle. The Chinook Pass Highway was less than a quarter mile away.
Since it was on the other side of the American River from me, I couldn’t inspect it closely. It’s suspicious because I never could make out the head.