Couple of weeks back I was at Crater Lake. Looking at the deep blue waters then, I'd wondered that there can't be a better color water can take.
Blanca proved me wrong.
We were at the trail head by 12:40 pm. Huffed and puffed our way up to Virgin lake by about 3 pm. With hearts pounding and legs tiring, started the final 500 ft odd descent.
Then came the first sighting of the lake, and suddenly, we were no longer tired. The lake left us speechless. The beautiful, pristine nature of the lake is simply undescribable.
After taking a few pictures to capture whatever little we could of what lay in front of us, descended down to the logs and spent the rest of the afternoon munching our sandwich and gazing at the pretty lake. Started the return trip by about 6:30 pm and were back at the trail head by 9 pm.
Prior to this hike, I was so much looking forward to visiting Lake Louisse (Banff). Little did I know that something very similar lay almost in our own backyard :). Would refrain from thinking though that this is the best shade of water one could get. Who knows, some time, some day, some lake might prove me wrong .... yet again!
Happy hiking.
PS - No snow on trail, trail in great condition. Thank you WTA.
Beware of mosquitoes and flies though.
Comments
Posted by:
puddlepirate on Aug 21, 2012 11:57 AM
Yes we used guidebook directions. The Index Galena road has been closed for quite a long time, so you're basically hosed if you take that (GPS typically takes us along that route).
The alternate route is to drive to the town of Skykomish. As you approach the twon, you'd see a gas station right along US 2. From this point, continue east for about 0.8 miles more and make a left along Beckler road. From there on continue along FR65, FR63 as the guidebook indicates and you should be good.
Posted by:
"madman" on Aug 21, 2012 11:57 AM