Dad leaves for his Continental Divide hike in a week and I want to get in a good hike this week before hiking with him. As the snow level is still around 5500 feet, I decided to hike an Eagle Creek loop because it doesn't get much over 4000 feet so it will be snow free and I've wanted to see Wahtum Lake for some time now. Pictured is the signature waterfall of the Eagle Creek trail where the trail goes behind the waterfall.
The temperature is in the high 60's making it an excellent day for a hike. Here is the waterfall beyond the signature waterfall where Ivan, Monica, Jon, and I had lunch last year on our hike up here. To this point, there are many people also hiking but beyond this point the trail is not crowded and I only see two other parties of hikers. The scenery to this point is spectacular but it is also nice to feel like there are few other people around.
As the crowds thin and the trail leaves the creek, I hear more birds and see more wildflowers. The rhododendrons are especially beautiful. I wanted to get a picture of Wahtum Lake but kept thinking there would be a better location for a picture and the trees kept getting thicker, making a picture impossible. While going around Wahtum Lake, I took the same wrong path Dad did while hiking the PCT two years ago and ended up in the parking lot. To stay on the PCT, you have to take a path that looks like it is just a tent area. There is also a signed PCT short cut route over the outlet of the lake. I walked completely around the lake because I want to stay on the official PCT trail.
The classic Sullivan book on hikes in Northwest Oregon recommends the Ruckel Creek trail for a 26.8 mile loop but I want to stay on the PCT instead and save Ruckel Creek for another day. I don't know how long the PCT loop to Cascade Locks and then on the Gorge trail back to Eagle creek is but it sure took a long time so I would guess it is more than 30 miles. There are some good views and more wildflowers on this loop.
There are several trails up here and it would be fun to explore more. I'm a bit tired to explore more today and because I didn't get started until 10:15, it is becoming late. As I get back with-in sight of the river, I call Dad on my cell phone and let him know I took the same wrong turn he took. While talking I walk past Teacup Spring which brings back memories for both of us. Dusk sets in as I see Cascade Locks. I finally reach the car at 9:15. Arrive home at 10:00 and immediately go to bed. This was a very nice hike.