Trip Report

A party of ten departed, from Willamette Pass trailhead, at noon on Saturday. After overnight camps at Douglas Horsepasture, on Skyline Creek, Charlton Lake, and Stormy Lake, Dorothy, Liz and Mary returned to car near Charlton Lake to return home. A party of seven continued to Cliff Lake for a two-night stay. Side trips were made to Mink Lake, Vogel Lake, and Boot lake where Glenn caught 5 fish!!! Mosquitoes were minimal and swimming was good at Cliff Lake.

On Thursday we hiked 14 miles to Sisters Mirror lake via the new trail over Koosah Mtn. This lake was a poor camp area due to mosquitoes, poor swimming, and bugs in the water. A 13-mile Friday hike took us to Obsidian Camp with good water from Obsidian Creek, and few mosquitoes. A six-mile Saturday trek got us to Minnie Scott Springs by 11:30 a.m. The campsite was excellent, water was perfect, mosquitoes minimal. Afternoon side trips were made to Collier Glacier moraine, Collier Cone, two unnamed lakes near the spring, and a beautiful meadow near camp. A spectacular sunset was appropriate for that enjoyable day. On Sunday we made the six-mile hike to Lava Lake trailhead, near McKenzie Pass, by noon. We were picked up there by Liz Glover and the owner of "Summit Lines Mountaineering" shop in Sisters. Although the wilderness was quite dry for mid-July, the wildflowers were enjoyed throughout the trip. Lupine was the most prevalent, along with paintbrush from Mt. Koosah north. The sore foot brigade included Mary Bridgeman, Bea Fontana, Liz Glover, Dorothy Hayes, Colin Macdonald, Glenn Meares, Marriner Orum, Terry Plaisted, Merle Traudt and leader Wes Prouty.