14.5 miles of hiking • 2750' elevation gain •
Seeing a change in weather coming soon, it was entirely worth taking a vacation day to go hit up Jefferson Park in February! The conditions could not have been better. We chose the most direct route possible, from the Whitewater trailhead. It was clear, driving up the access road, that the windstorm earlier this week had done some damage. But we had no issues getting all the way in. Temps up top were in the mid-50s, with an occasional breeze. Extremely comfortable, considering!
Hiking up, we first hit "serious" snow around 5400', on a north-facing slope. Nothing that microspikes couldn't easily accommodate. Finding a decent spot to cross Whitewater Creek was a bit more problematic. It was partially ice-covered, and what was there certainly didn't look like it'd hold up a full-size human. Upstream from the natural crossing, we did find a nice pair of logs to use as a bridge, though, and on we went.
Upon entering Jefferson Park, our solidly compacted trail went every-which way, and so did we! Snow levels ranged from bare to 6' or so, averaging 2-3' depth. It was generally alright for walking on, though there were spots with some sinkage that made the going a bit slower. All the lakes were frozen solid, as we proved by walking across every one of them! There was flowing water in Whitewater Creek, across the entire Park, however. We made a few more crossings as we wandered.
Another incredible day in the woods! :-D
Comments
Karl
February 25, 2015
Thanks! Yeah, I think we walked across every one of the larger lakes in the Park. Once we got started, we just couldn't stop. Heh... Really can't imagine a better way to burn a vacation day!
You're right about the trees closing in there, too. My first time there was in 1974, and the changes since then are truly dramatic.
Woodswalker
February 26, 2015
Wow, I especially like the unusual cloud shots over Jefferson.
Karl
February 26, 2015
Yeah, we were just "taken" by that cloud show. Can't tell you how many times we just lingered and stared at them dancing off the summit. :-)
Mountainkat
March 10, 2015
Wow! Great photos, especially the ones with the clouds. What a great day out!
Karl
March 10, 2015
Thanks, Kat! It was definitely special. Hadn't been to JP since 1974, and now I've gotten back there last Oct and this Feb! So fun. :-)
Wish I had a timelapse capability for those clouds!
JM
February 25, 2015
Great shots! How awesome that you could walk on Bays Lake. With less and less snow, Jefferson Park will be Jefferson Woods in a few decades. Heck of a way to spend a Tuesday.