Schaefer Lake — Thursday, Sep. 6, 2007

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East

The long placed log jam is still in place although a good part of it is quite precarious. Unless you are well-balanced and have no cares about falling into a deep pool, ford the Chiwawa instead just downriver from the jam. The ford is only ankle deep here-actually quite soothing and great for removing dust on the return. The first mile of trail is very brushy. This is getting to be a theme on many of our trails as maintanace crews are becoming a thing of the past thanks to the FS's lack of dinero. Also on this trail you'll need to hop over or scoot under about 50 windfalls. None create any major difficulties. The tread is in good shape and Scaefer makes a good autumn destination. No bugs at the beautiful lake basin. The lake itself is one of the larger ones in these parts. On my return hike I nearly stumbled upon a black bear half submerged in the ground foraging in a bee nest. I have only seen this in A.A. Milne books. It was quite exciting to see. That's one tenacious bruin!