After walking through the basalt lava flows around the Three Sisters mountains in Oregon, my friend Frozen and I still had a long 17-mile crossing with more lava flows and burned-out forests ahead. This is the section between McKenzie and Santiam Passes in the Mt Washington Wilderness of Central Oregon. I wasn’t looking forward to this stretch because I knew it would be hot and exposed. Fortunately, we started out early in the morning and it wasn’t too bad.
First, the lava flows weren’t as extensive as I imagined and there are oodles of new baby trees greening the burned-over forest landscape. All of this made the trek much more hopeful.
Also, Frozen’s parents are meeting us along the trail to support her efforts, so on this one-day stretch, they transported our heavy backpacks to the next intersection for us. This is called “slack-packing” and it did make the day much more enjoyable! (Her Dad’s yummy Huckleberry pancakes also helped us get going on this morning!)
And our bonus along the trail? Huckleberries! Gazillions of berry bushes slowed our pace to a stop while we gorged ourselves in their deliciousness!
After our day of hiking, I was able to join my friends Stephanie and Ken on their nearby camping trip and they lavished me with so much wonderful food and more fresh berries!
Next up, Three-Fingered Jack and the Mt Jefferson Wilderness. Some wildfire smoke added a little haze to this stretch, but it made for fabulous sunsets and didn’t impede our hiking. And although burned out areas are extensive throughout the Mt Jefferson Wilderness, the flowers, berry bushes, lakes and views are spectacular!
The next morning we hiked over Three-Fingered Jack and into an extensive burn zone.
As Three-Fingered Jack faded into the background, the lovely Mt Jefferson loomed ahead!
Having backpacked in this area before, I suggested to Frozen that we take an alternate route along Hanks and Pamelia Lakes, and meet up again with the PCT a few miles later. This trail filled with old-growth trees, mossy creeks and overflowing berry bushes did not disappoint!
But then, I knew the best was yet to come: Jefferson Lakes!
Andrea Scharf
Hi Becky! Once more, fabulous pictures on your adventure. The Dee Wright Observatory is a personal favorite–my father was in the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Thirties and his gang built the observatory! Imagine hauling all those lava rocks up the hill and setting them in place, with each volcanic peak perfectly aligned in the viewing slits! In the evenings, he told us, the guys would get in their funky old truck (with no brakes!) and head down to Belnap Hot Springs to meet the girls from Springfield who came to dance!
Sorry i’ll miss the party on the 18th but i’ll be thinking of you!
Dawn Fulps
Wow such a wonderful account of your hiking in the Mt Jefferson Wilderness. Look forward to seeing you the 18th!!
Michelle Lane
As always, your photos are beautiful!
Camp Sherman is so close, I could have met you there.
Good yo here you had delicious pancakes and a cleansing swim. What a boost to your joy!
James Dopkus
Great photography especially Scott Lake where I have been several times. The reflection of 3 Sisters on the water can be jaw dropping in late afternoon! Hike on Ladies !
James Dopkus
An added comment about Scott Lake : A photo I took a few years ago begore they closed the gate: we plowed through the snow to get down to lakeside & got the shot I have wanted for years: to catch the golden sunset light on Middle Sisters! Then high tailed out of there in 4 wheel drive slipping & sliding all way back up the road before they closed the gate !!!!!!!