This was our first time on the Divide Camp Trail #112 and we certainly were not disappointed. This is a good trail for quick access to the PCT. The roads from Trout Lake to Takhlakh Lake were very good except for a few potholes. Just past the lake the road worsens but 4x4 is not needed. We hit the trail at 8:15 under heavy fog / drizzle and cool conditions. As we climbed the temps warmed, the layers peeled and the sun brightened until we finally achieved bluebird status.
We hit the first real snow patch at about 5,500 feet and at the PCT junction the snow coverage was about 85-90%. From the junction we headed south for 1/4 mile and then headed up a ridge between Adams Creek and the Lewis River to 6,500 feet, directly in front of the Adams Glacier. There were some mosquitoes present but not a lot and they were not biting (although in several puddles we could see lots of active larvae getting ready to party).
We saw a coyote crossing a snow field ahead of us and came across some mysterious animal tracks we didn't recognize. There were a few varieties of wildflowers in bloom where there wasn't snow, but a lot of the plant life is just starting to awaken. St. Helens, Rainier, and the Goat Rocks were all visible from their bases up while a cloud layer hung below.
The day was perfection for late May. On the way out we diverted 1/4 mile over to Divide Camp to check it out and see the large spring just south of the camp. We only saw one other couple all day, we were heading back to the TH as they were backpacking in for a night near the headwaters of the Lewis River.
Comments