Chris went hiking September 17, 2011 20.5 miles 1,750 feet gained

Indian Heaven

1

For some reason, I really like Indian Heaven. But for some reason, I can only seem to get there when it's in a big raincloud. Today, I think it was a combination of our weather, plus what seems to be the perennial fog that just doesn't leave that place. That being said, it was still great.

I got to the Sawtooth Trailhead around 10:30—things were pretty crowded for a rainy day. I saw at least 5 groups (but no PCT hikers) on the trail. I decided to do a loop down to Junction Lake, back up to Clear Lake, with a detour to Deep Lake, and then back up to the trailhead, via Sawtooth Mountain.

Of note were several bow hunters seen on the way in, and an incessant shotgun being fired at Clear Lake. I couldn't see who it was because of the thick fog, but it seems like they were probably target shooting. Kinda makes me wish I was wearing orange.

The trail up to Sawtooth Mountain is in okay shape, but there are several blowdowns. Also the USGS maps are inaccurate for that section.

The huckleberries are coming in great right around Sawtooth trailhead. Still too early for the rest of IH, though.

I'm guessing these red berries are poisonous? The pines in IH are really special. Doug firs, right? I love this stuff. Anyone know what it's called? Deep Lake. All the lakes were fogged in like this today. Lupine was the flower du jour. Also, a smattering of paintbrush and a pink pollen-y looking flower. The view from Sawtooth. Hiding in the background behind the clouds is Adams. The berries are on their way!

Trail Talk

1 person has hearted this trip.

Kyle Meyer · September 19, 2011

How were the mosquitoes? I'm biding time until I can head back out to Bear Lake and camp on that peninsula bug-free. Doesn't look like it got much below 40º there this weekend, though.

Chris · September 19, 2011

No mosquitos.

Then again, it was daytime, 45º and raining.

Kyle Meyer · September 19, 2011

The thirty bites I got on my face are jealous of your wet and cold. I saw the sun, sure; I saw it through a fog of DEET and winged devils and pain.

Chris · September 19, 2011

Oh well—I was going to post a picture of headnet. It didn't work.

Kyle Meyer · September 19, 2011

Haha, my email showed it. Essentially, you have to use markdown syntax to post images. Like this:

Chris · September 19, 2011

Scary.

Digging the weather sidebar.

Kyle Meyer · September 19, 2011

I'm hoping to turn Went Hiking into as much a place to plan a trip as to record one. This is the first of many small changes I'll be making as the hiking season winds down.

Chris · September 19, 2011

Winds down?

Kyle Meyer · September 19, 2011

Yeah, you know—that time when it rains constantly and you keep hiking? A lot of us stop :)

Chris · September 19, 2011

I don't know what you're talking about.

I still have to do 18.2 mi/week to make my 1000 :/

Kyle Meyer · September 21, 2011

You'll get there! That's a pretty awesome goal to hit in a year.