Trip Report

Last year's trip to this area was cancelled due to wildfire road closures and smoke. This year we were given cloudy skies and rain after 3 months of dry weather! As only one of the 12 women on this trip had been to Ollalie Lake before, we enjoyed exploring new lakes and trails. Ollalie Lake is on the Pacific crest at the southern end of the Mt Hood National Forest. Most of us drove to the lake by going up the McKenzie river, down the N. Santiam river to Detroit, and then up the Breitenbush river to the Pacific Crest. Lana and Linda stopped at Clear Lake to kayak. The rest of us stopped at Fish Lake to eat lunch in our cars while it rained. The last 10 miles of marginally maintained road to the Ollalie lake resort was a little challenging but we all made it in time for dinner. We stayed in 3 cabins, 1 yurt and a tent (thanks Cindy). Linda started dinner off with delicious appetizers and now will be asked to do them regularly. After a tasty pasta dinner, Judy brought out a huge chocolate cake which some of us had for breakfast/lunch the next morning. Most of our leftovers were delivered to PCT hikers that were delighted to receive fresh food (including some chocolate cake). We chose to skip an evening paddle due to unfavorable weather.

The next morning we woke up to mostly cloudy skies with some light rain. The group split into hiking and kayaking groups as several women were hoping the weather would be more favorable for kayaking in the afternoon. The hiking group visited Top and Cigar Lakes, then returned to camp via the PCT. The kayak group circumnavigated the 240 acre lake. The weather did not improve that afternoon but some of us chose to kayak or hike, while others read and played Scrabble. A cowboy caviar salad bar and homemade cookies were the stars of the second group dinner.

And on the third day, we woke up to clear skies and a beautiful view of the north side of Mt Jefferson, albeit quite cold (37 degrees). Most of us spent the morning going for another paddle and/or a hike around all or part of the lake. By early afternoon, we were in t-shirts! Such a great way to top off the trip. More left-overs were shared with PCT thru hikers who were very appreciative, particularly of the fresh veggies (thanks Trail Angels Pam and Jacque). And only one person fell into the lake while exiting her boat!