Calendar

Past Activity

Maiden Lake

  • Start date: 09/07/2018

  • Start time: 12:00 AM

  • End date: 09/09/2018

  • End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

.....3 mi in/out with full bac pac.....Sat. day trip 2 top of Maiden Peak & bac 2 base camp....Scenic area, swimmable lake

  • Event Leader: Scott Hovis

  • Event Leader Phone: 541-731-3412

  • Event Leader Email: scotthovisfineart@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type:

  • Departure Location: See Trip Description

  • Rating: Difficult

  • Roundtrip total drive miles:

  • Season: 2018

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: food for 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, way to purify water

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 11

  • Member Fees: 2

  • Elevation Gain: 2250

  • Non-Member Fees: 10

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

The smoke and weather cooperated giving us 3 days of good backpacking, camping, and hiking. We had the only campsite on Maiden Lake to ourselves thanks to Dave, Lynn, and Sue hiking in early Friday morning from their previous Obsidian trip up at Mt Hood. The hike in to the lake from the east side is 3 miles with about 1800’ of elevation gain as all of us lugged 30-40 pounds of gear. The rest of us arrived later in the afternoon from Eugene. We all had adequate space to set up our tents around a common area where we would cook, eat, converse, and listen to Tom play many classic tunes on the harmonica. Those who wanted to, took a swim in the lake before it got too cold near sunset. Since the Forest Service had a ban on campfires, we all retired to our tents fairly early as it got colder. Saturday morning we awoke to the sounds of many species of birds screeching and chirping away. Chilly temps in the upper 30s greeted us under clear blue skies. About 10 AM we packed up for a hike to the 7818’ summit of Maiden Peak. This steep trail gains another 1800’ in less than 3 miles with most of that gain in the final 3/4 of a mile. Conditions on the summit were splendid with sunny skies, light wind, and warming temperatures. We spent a good hour on top taking in the sights of the surrounding mountains and lakes while eating lunch. As we started down, 6 of us decided to take a longer 8 mile trail back that would connect with the PCT, pass the Maiden Peak Shelter, and connect with a trail that led us back to Maiden Lake from the west side. Dave and Joan wanted to swim so they went back the way we had climbed to the peak. That evening was a repeat of the previous one. Sunday morning we broke camp after a leisurely breakfast and hiked back to the trailhead. The trip was enjoyed by everyone, including 3 new non-Obsidians who did great. Bugs were not a problem other than the pesky yellowjackets. This is a very secluded lake that very few people know about. After Labor Day you can expect to have it all to yourself like we experienced.