Cowboy camp in saddle south of Ollalie Lake - Cowboy camp in forest south of Warm Springs River
Mile 2035 - 2059
Total 24 miles
After waking up on a hidden campsite under thick tree canopy, I cook hot tea and oats and then return to the trail which leads me downhill through partially burned forest and past two little lakes. The glaciated summit of Mount Jefferson can be seen above forested ridges on the southern horizon. Loud voices of squirrels can be heard all over the forest. Some of the squirrels sound almost like birds. Delicious huckleberries and blueberries invite me hiker for many snack stops as my steps descend to a trail junction.
A short side trail goes past a ranger station to a little store operated by the forest service. The store sells gas fuel, oats, nuts, trail bars, and many other kinds of hiker food. There is also a hiker box where I find an unexpected item: "vegan gourmet cheddar" soy cheese.
It's been a few months since I last tasted cheese. Big thanks to the generous person who left it there :-) From the store the trail passes a high voltage powerline and enters the forests of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. Here hikers are required to stay within 250 feet on either side of trail. The terrain is almost flat with swamps and a few lakes. At one of the lakes, Jude Lake, I make a long lunch stop.
After the lake the terrain becomes a little bit more hilly. On exposed rocky slopes, maple leaves are starting to change their colors.
The forest is full of huckleberries. Probably that is the reason why the landowner require that hikers stay on trail. There are also some poisonous berries such as the bright blue clintonia.
Surrounded by a vast expanse of forest lies a spring named "Trooper Spring". As I kneel down to get water, I notice a big snake swimming in the clear water pool. The snake is completely still most of the time. Then it makes a sudden move with its tongue as it snatches one of the water beetles. It is a garter snake (Latin name: Thamnophis sirtalis).
From the spring the narrow path leads me through more forests, uphill and downhill, past ripe huckleberries and various kinds of mushrooms.
The squirrels have had their supper, leaving leftovers all over the trail. Under a grove of tall douglas fir trees is a hidden spot where I cook hot supper and setup cowboy camp for tonight.
Mile 2035 - 2059
Total 24 miles
After waking up on a hidden campsite under thick tree canopy, I cook hot tea and oats and then return to the trail which leads me downhill through partially burned forest and past two little lakes. The glaciated summit of Mount Jefferson can be seen above forested ridges on the southern horizon. Loud voices of squirrels can be heard all over the forest. Some of the squirrels sound almost like birds. Delicious huckleberries and blueberries invite me hiker for many snack stops as my steps descend to a trail junction.
A short side trail goes past a ranger station to a little store operated by the forest service. The store sells gas fuel, oats, nuts, trail bars, and many other kinds of hiker food. There is also a hiker box where I find an unexpected item: "vegan gourmet cheddar" soy cheese.
It's been a few months since I last tasted cheese. Big thanks to the generous person who left it there :-) From the store the trail passes a high voltage powerline and enters the forests of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. Here hikers are required to stay within 250 feet on either side of trail. The terrain is almost flat with swamps and a few lakes. At one of the lakes, Jude Lake, I make a long lunch stop.
After the lake the terrain becomes a little bit more hilly. On exposed rocky slopes, maple leaves are starting to change their colors.
The forest is full of huckleberries. Probably that is the reason why the landowner require that hikers stay on trail. There are also some poisonous berries such as the bright blue clintonia.
Surrounded by a vast expanse of forest lies a spring named "Trooper Spring". As I kneel down to get water, I notice a big snake swimming in the clear water pool. The snake is completely still most of the time. Then it makes a sudden move with its tongue as it snatches one of the water beetles. It is a garter snake (Latin name: Thamnophis sirtalis).
From the spring the narrow path leads me through more forests, uphill and downhill, past ripe huckleberries and various kinds of mushrooms.
The squirrels have had their supper, leaving leftovers all over the trail. Under a grove of tall douglas fir trees is a hidden spot where I cook hot supper and setup cowboy camp for tonight.
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