September 28, 2013
First of all, props to all the trail volunteers! This hike is so nice due in much part to all the work that has been put in to the bridges, stairs, etc. Awesome! :D
While the forecast warned of up to 1" of rain and wind gusts of up to 40 mph, we still got out of bed and made it out of the apartment by 9:30 am on the grey and soggy Saturday morning for a hike at West Fork Foss River with the intent of staying the night at Big Heart Lake. It's only about an hour and a half drive from Mill Creek and about 10 miles from Stevens Pass, so Slurmz didn't even have to chug up the mountain. Foss River Road is nice and paved in the beginning. We had to dodge some potholes, but nothing bad. Just before the trailhead you must drive through a quick flowing stream. I was scared to drive through it - I mean, what if we got swept down the river?! - but Andy said go for it. I don't know what the correct term for that was because it certainly looked like the driveway was designed a certain way for the water to flow and for one to drive over it safely but it looked like an overflowing culvert to me.
There was one car at the trailhead. In fact, they set up camp next to their car. At first I though that was strange, but then I looked at the entrance to the trail and there was caution tape and plastic covering the signboard. I thought the trail was closed not only because of the plastic and tape, but because the garbage receptacles and restrooms were locked. Upon further inspection, however, there was only caution tape around some blow downs so we were good to go! Still not sure why there was plastic covering the board. Also, the check in box for permits was no where to be seen, however, so make sure your family and/or friends know of your plans before you head in.
Clad in our (unintentional) matching rain gear the two of us hiked in the steady, moderate to heavy rain for about two hours. We passed by lovely Trout Lake, heard some pikas and birdies, and saw some awesome waterfalls all around near and far.
Twinsies!
Trout Lake
By the time we reached Copper Lake, I was exhausted like I had been all week at home. Andy decided it would be best to set up camp here and we found the only decent campsite that was not flooded. It was super windy and gusty but luckily the rain stopped in time for us to pitch our tent and eat our sandwiches. Yeah, we brought sandwiches instead of bringing a stove to warm food up. We might try this next trip, too, especially since we've been only doing overnights. While eating, I started shivering and my fingers turned into sausages and I was just so miserably cold AND it started raining again. Looking up, the giant trees around us were swaying all over the place. With all these factors combined and wind gusts of up to 60 mph, we decided it would be best to pack up and head home. The four guys who came in just as we were leaving were fortunate that we came to this decision otherwise I don't think they would have had anywhere to camp! It was a good trip. We put our waterproof/resistant clothing to the test under 4 hours of hiking in the rain. Everything held up great. And we also found out that hiking in the rain does not suck. It's actually quite enjoyable. I still need to find a way to stay warm. Maybe I should just constantly be doing jumping jacks.
Water on trail
So many distant waterfalls
That waterfall is Copper Lake's outlet. It sure felt like a long, steady climb up to the lake.
Wouldn't you know? We didn't end up taking any pictures at the lake.
First of all, props to all the trail volunteers! This hike is so nice due in much part to all the work that has been put in to the bridges, stairs, etc. Awesome! :D
While the forecast warned of up to 1" of rain and wind gusts of up to 40 mph, we still got out of bed and made it out of the apartment by 9:30 am on the grey and soggy Saturday morning for a hike at West Fork Foss River with the intent of staying the night at Big Heart Lake. It's only about an hour and a half drive from Mill Creek and about 10 miles from Stevens Pass, so Slurmz didn't even have to chug up the mountain. Foss River Road is nice and paved in the beginning. We had to dodge some potholes, but nothing bad. Just before the trailhead you must drive through a quick flowing stream. I was scared to drive through it - I mean, what if we got swept down the river?! - but Andy said go for it. I don't know what the correct term for that was because it certainly looked like the driveway was designed a certain way for the water to flow and for one to drive over it safely but it looked like an overflowing culvert to me.
There was one car at the trailhead. In fact, they set up camp next to their car. At first I though that was strange, but then I looked at the entrance to the trail and there was caution tape and plastic covering the signboard. I thought the trail was closed not only because of the plastic and tape, but because the garbage receptacles and restrooms were locked. Upon further inspection, however, there was only caution tape around some blow downs so we were good to go! Still not sure why there was plastic covering the board. Also, the check in box for permits was no where to be seen, however, so make sure your family and/or friends know of your plans before you head in.
Clad in our (unintentional) matching rain gear the two of us hiked in the steady, moderate to heavy rain for about two hours. We passed by lovely Trout Lake, heard some pikas and birdies, and saw some awesome waterfalls all around near and far.
By the time we reached Copper Lake, I was exhausted like I had been all week at home. Andy decided it would be best to set up camp here and we found the only decent campsite that was not flooded. It was super windy and gusty but luckily the rain stopped in time for us to pitch our tent and eat our sandwiches. Yeah, we brought sandwiches instead of bringing a stove to warm food up. We might try this next trip, too, especially since we've been only doing overnights. While eating, I started shivering and my fingers turned into sausages and I was just so miserably cold AND it started raining again. Looking up, the giant trees around us were swaying all over the place. With all these factors combined and wind gusts of up to 60 mph, we decided it would be best to pack up and head home. The four guys who came in just as we were leaving were fortunate that we came to this decision otherwise I don't think they would have had anywhere to camp! It was a good trip. We put our waterproof/resistant clothing to the test under 4 hours of hiking in the rain. Everything held up great. And we also found out that hiking in the rain does not suck. It's actually quite enjoyable. I still need to find a way to stay warm. Maybe I should just constantly be doing jumping jacks.
Wouldn't you know? We didn't end up taking any pictures at the lake.