On a cold, crisp autumn morning I drove to Jack Lake a few miles east of Three Fingered Jack. The mountain’s reflection in the lake was crystal clear.
The hike into the meadows of Canyon Creek Basin underneath the glacial moraine of the old volcano was spectacular. The 7,841-foot jagged summit was highlighted by streaks of red volcanic seams.
Instead of returning on the trail to the lower meadows, I took a large circle to the north. Going off-trail is one of the best ways to explore an area. As I descended the steep ridges several deer were spotted, and I saw various places underneath the timber where deer had made beds to spend the day.
Upon returning to the lower meadows, I took a loop back to the trailhead. What a nice place to enjoy a wilderness setting.
Three Fingered Jack reflected in Jack Lake
Red volcanic seams on Three Fingered Jack (notice the Alpine Hemlock growing high on the mountain)
Young Mule Deer “sneaking” by me
Amazing! Penstemon in bloom in mid-October at a mile high
Trail leading to upper meadows
Mushroom
Wilderness sign-in
Small pond along the trail
Three Fingered Jack
Pleasant stretch of trail
Morning frost at Jack Lake
I love that hike. Great pictures. I really enjoyed looking at them.
Tom
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Thanks Tom. It’s one of my favorites too.
you seem to have always good weather on your hikes!! 🙂 I hope this luck continues – great photos once again!!
Thanks for the kind comments. Regarding the weather, I’ll face plenty of rainy hikes in the upcoming months. It’s the price to pay for living in the Pacific Northwest.