Calendar

Past Activity

Canceled: Erma Bell And Otter Lakes

  • Start date: 06/18/2017

  • Start time: 12:00 AM

  • End date: 06/18/2017

  • End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

We will be doing a loop from Skookum Campground to Otter Lake and Williams Lake and then return by way of Erma Belle lakes. This hike tours a group of moraine lakes left behind by a retreating glacier. We will walk at a leisurely pace with plenty of stops for snacks and photography. Be alert for Bald Eagles and various nesting raptors.

  • Event Leader: Tom Rundle

  • Event Leader Phone: 541-653-0741

  • Event Leader Email: vivadancero@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Mountain

  • Departure Location: South Eugene High School, 19th & Patterson

  • Rating: Moderate

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 150

  • Season: 2017

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: Water, snack, lunch, rain gear, attire appropriate for weather. Recommended: sunscreen, mosquito juice. Optional: Trekking Poles

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 8.5

  • Member Fees: 1

  • Elevation Gain: 820

  • Non-Member Fees: 5

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

Nice weather. No wind. Hordes of mosquitoes and a few ticks. A half mile in the leader walked past the intersection for the Otter Lake loop and unintentionally continued to Lower Erma Belle Lake. So we walked back to the intersection and began the loop to Otter Lake where we had lunch. Continuing on we faced a 600 foot elevation gain on an unmaintained trail mostly covered with snow. There were swamps and bogs from snow-melt and six major stream crossings. Using GPS navigation we were able to stay close to the trail without actually seeing it except for short segments. All of the intrepid hikers bushwhacked through this mess for about 4.5 miles with cheerful determination for a round trip total of 12.4 miles.