Monday, July 6, 2009

Indian Heaven

I always talk about how beautiful Oregon is, but this time I have to rave about my home state of Washington. Betty (my work pal and backpacking buddy) and I headed to the Gifford Pinchot National forest. Our original plan was to backpack on Mt. St. Helens, but they don't allow dogs. Then I had chosen a few fantastic ridge trips, but they were still snowed in. So-- we ended up going to Indian Heaven and it was breathtaking! 

We headed out on Friday morning and spent the day hiking in about 4 comfortable miles. The hike itself was very ascetically pleasing with a new lake to look at every 2/3 of a mile. There were also Mt. views all weekend. Indian Heaven is located in the middle of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams. I LOVED THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS!
This was just after leaving the car.A peek-a-boo view of Mt. Rainier.We ended up crossing paths with a girl named Jenny and she ended up joining us. Jenny, Betty and Baby are pictured here walking the path to Rock Lake.The Rocks in Rock lake.Once we got to Blue lake, it was gorgeous! 
The water was so blue and I couldn't wait to cast my lure into the lake. I caught a fish first thing, threw it back and wouldn't know it?? I didn't hook another one all weekend. I jinxed myself, I know.We also hung out a guy named Joe. He and Baby became fast friends.Betty showing Jenny her 'Jazz Hands'.A view from a cliff we climbed up.Baby climbed too!Our cozy campsite.The second day we were there, we took a day hike to some other lakes. I messed with this picture so you could see Baby's feet. She was a mighty dog, crossing rocks and streams that she would have never attempted a few years ago. She is such a GREAT 11 YEAR OLD DOG! I love my pumpkin.On our day hike we ended up at the most beautiful, desolate, serene spot on Bear lake. Betty and I were so happy to be away from any other backpackers, we had to make a funny face for the camera. Shocker... I know.
Bear lake in all it's beauty.There was snow everywhere. Here it was still melting at the waters edge.Nothing but nature.Ahhh.. cute timer photo at Bear Lake.

There were amazing mountain streams and waterfalls everywhere. I wish the lighting were better in this pic so you could see the falls more clearly!
This was a picture of our 4th of July fireworks. I wouldn't have had it any other way!
Boo. This was a picture of Betty as we were leaving Blue Lake. She was posing like she was going to vomit in this picture, because Betty had some food or water that didn't agree with her the night before. She had the unfortunate experience of getting sick in the middle of nowhere. She is a tough cookie!
And here we were at the end of our trip. It was a beautiful trip. It was also one of those trips where a ton of little things go wrong, but you just roll with the punches. These things included; Beth having a serious carsickness episode on the forest rode up to the trailhead, Beth and Betty both being devoured by mosquitos immediately after exiting the car, tasting Deet mosquito repellent all weekend and still getting bit well over 100 times, Betty getting sick in the middle of the night and not having a toilet bowl to comfort her, having a broken water filter, having dead batteries in my head lamp, etc., etc., etc. 

The good news-- It takes a lot to ruin a trip when you are in such a beautiful place. I would go back now if I could.... well maybe only if I had stronger mosquito repellent. 

Looking forward to the next trip already!

3 comments:

Rae said...

So gorgeous! Sorry you had so much trouble, it sounds like one of my family's vacations. But yay buff muffins!

Rae said...

It looks gorgeous! I'm sorry you had such a rough time of it, it sounds like one of my family's vacations. But yay for you two buff muffins!

jana said...

thanks for the post. im actually thinking of heading out there tomorrow. i will be sure to bring lots of deet!