July 25 – Making New Tracks

“The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.”
-Laura Ingalls Wilder

Mile 4 Mount Jefferson Detour to View Lake – Mount Jefferson and Mount Hood Wildernesses
21.1 miles + 9.5 hitch hike

Welp today couldn’t have gone better.

Except… just as I finished the detour around the fire closure, I learned that they were opening up the PCT Mount Jefferson closure tomorrow. Although I am thankful for the scenery, food, and people I met today.

The Marion Lake trail on the detour to the highway was gorgeous with flowing streams, views, and lakes with no burn area. Early morning I watched a flock of geese in V formation gracefully swim across Lake Marion. Very peaceful.

At the end of the fire road, I ate a huge breakfast and pie without crust (gluten free version) at Marion Forks Restaurant. What a huge treat! I had decided to hitch a ride on the highway part of the detour. As fate would have it, a great family of men from Bend going backpacking went out of their way to give me a ride. It was fun talking with them. They were actually carrying a fully loaded ice chest up to Marion Lake. Crazy.

As I got back on the trail, I stopped to talk to a lovely group of men from the Pacific Crest Trail Association doing volunteer trail maintenance. I am so grateful for the improved condition of this little section of trail. Thank you to all the volunteers out their making this trail a pleasure to walk.

My route then lead through the very popular Jefferson Park that is nestled directly beneath Mount Jefferson. It is a wonderland.

The trail then lead up to a pass that is known for snow. As I climbed, a few backpackers were turned around because they could not find foot prints to follow on the north side and didn’t have a GPS.

Sure enough when I reached the top…pristine snow. I had fun boot skiing down and making new tracks.

Tomorrow I am hoping to see Drop n’ Roll. Many of you know her from her very entertaining and informative Continental Divide Trail blog last summer. Silly Chili and I hiked with her and friends for a month and a half last summer. She lives in Portland and said she would find me on the trail. She surely must have special powers.

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12 Comments

  1. You gotta love those alpine lakes. At least I do!

  2. That last photo is beautiful! I enjoy reading the stories you tell about the people you meet and your experiences on the trail.

  3. I am loving all your entries and photos…these are some of my favorites! Safe and wonderful travels and i will see you all too soon! 🙂

  4. I’ve been seeing a lot of beautiful bear grass photos out of Washington and Canada over past week, including yours of course. I so love making the first footsteps in snow. Such beauty and wonderment. I agree with previous poster that you know how to focus on the lemonade!

    • Beekeeper, On those days that it is all you can do is put one foot in front of each other, attitude is key. Hikers know that or they quit. I think we all have strategies to keep on keepin’ on.

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  5. Jill Wilson

    I’m glad you are enjoying lovely Mt Jefferson and my home ‘stomping grounds. I have enjoyed your posts the last two seasons and it’s time to say thank you and tell you how much I like your well thought-out musings and the manner in which you embrace not only the good but also the drudgy, challenging times. Your photos are pretty amazing too!! I wasn’t certain if you are continuing through WA.? May see you there on a section hike. Thank you! Jill Wilson. Salem, OR

    • Hello Jill, First of all thank you so much for your positive words and taking the time to write your thoughts. I teach and go back to work the first week in August, so Washington will be another summer. You live in such a special place. Happy hiking.

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  6. Nice images. My home turf (used to be).

  7. SO glad the weather changed for you!!

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