I always enjoy getting close to big game animals in the wilderness. Even more, I like it when they pose for a photo or two.
Not this time. I spotted a black bear eating ripe huckleberries about 15 yards away at the same time it spotted me. Off it ran before I could get a photo. Still, they are always fun to see.
The six square-mile Roaring River Wilderness, about 70 miles from home, is a real treat – – – glacial-gouged lakes, open sub-alpine meadows, old-growth timber, huckleberries and rough terrain.
After parking near Hideaway lake, I spent 6 1/2 hours on a cool, cloudy day hiking a 12 1/2-mile loop with many steep ascents and descents along the way.
Shellrock Lake, the Rock Lakes, Serene Lake and Cache Meadow were the highlights of the trek, and spotting the black bear too.
Vine Maples turning color, a sure sign of autumn
Another “pocket” wilderness close to Portland
Ripe Huckleberry
Shellrock Lake
Black Bear Nirvana (Huckleberry bushes as far as the eye can see)
Lower Rock Lake
Finally, a little blue sky above Shellrock Lake
A stormy view of Serene Lake
Deep blue Serene Lake (A ringer: it’s a photo from my trip to the area in 2015 on a sunny day)
Roaring River Wilderness is so picturesque, and your photos, as always, are a true pleasure John. Fun to come across the bear, and no wonder with nirvana (loved that photo title) in his midst.
Thanks Jet. As you can guess, black bears love huckleberries.