Cramer Lake, Dark Meadows — Friday, Jul. 27, 2001

South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley

Rain, fog, gusty winds. What a great day to hike the vast flat lands of the southern William O. Douglas Wilderness near the Cascade Crest. I came prepared for the rain that I was driving in, and upon my departure from the PCT North trailhead at White Pass, it was raining pigs-n-chickens out! Ah, but with rainhat on, pack cover in place, and cover in place over my chest harness to protect the majority of my camera gear, I was a snug critter in the woods today. The forest was spooky with the rain and fog, and downright scaring me when the winds picked up as the cold front passed at 8:42AM near Sand Lake. The rain stopped, the fog blew out, and gusty cold wind started. The trees were making some STRANGE noises up there. Alas, the famous mosquitoes of the area couldn't come out to play on such a wet and windy day though! I saw only one skeeter...and of course he nailed me on my finger of all places. Deer Lake was nice, Sand Lake was stunning, and the volcanic rocks in the shallow waters of the lakes were very interesting to check out. One shore of Sand Lake was ablaze in lupines for a stunning image. I continued on the PCT until I headed over to Dumbbell Lake, and then debated on whether to head up Cramer Mountain or not. I chose not since the fog and low clouds wouldn't offer a view anyhow. Of course, as soon as I was south of Cramer Lake heading back out the sun came out! Cramer Lake was peaceful, and the meadows of grass in the alpine fir forest were stunning (as were all those over by Sand Lake and beyond along the PCT). From a very far distance I enjoyed 4 elk south of Cramer Lake. I then made fast time with the almost flast trails in this area and headed back toward Dog Lake, then cut across Dark Meadows trail to return to the White Pass trailhead on the PCT. A perfect day to pick a hike that isn't big on vast views, but on forest, lakes, and meadows.