One of many fine lakes in Oregon. We forget its name but not beauty.
Harsh environment alongside lush forest; South Sisters Volcano ahead. We are going to attempt it in
four days, a 5,000 feet climb, making it the highest in a single day for us. (See end of blog)
Jenni along the lake, taking it all in.
Occasionally, the chaos of life can take a person around the bend. Instead, head to Bend or better still,
Sisters, Oregon. Now that you are in the area, choose a lake to visit. If there is one, there could be a
few thousand. In a state of deserts, dunes, volcanoes, forests packed with trees and more trees, a coast,
both wild and otherwise, mountains, lakes, hills, lava covered regions, you name it, it’s there. Mind you,
Northern California is the same. Take your pick.
Once you reach the trailhead, always a challenge, especially when the directions mention to look for a sign
which has subsequently been changed, removed or used as firewood, the pleasure commences. At this particular
trail, to Green Lakes, we entered the forest soon after commencing. Although we don’t like to walk in forests
too often, they shelter one from views, but during hot weather, they provide terrific shelter. We move along
the river, cross it a few times by using rocks strategically placed as well as tree trunks felled for such
purpose. Every so often, there is a cascading falls glistening in the sunshine just managing to penetrate
through the trees. As we reach a level area, we notice streams, brooks and trickles of offshoots from the
river watering the rich meadows covered in grasses so green and flowers in reds, blues and yellow. There is
something different, something special about flora in the wilderness. It could be the random placements or
perhaps that it exists in such places.
Nothing dramatic, a picturesque stream meandering between the harsh and lush.
A corner of color somewhere in the wilderness.
We continue, breaking the tree line, in front of us is the staggering Sisters Mountain Range. It is a
little incestuous as there are the Three Sister volcanoes, Mount Bachelor, Little Brother, the Husband,
Broken Top (the mother-in-law) and others. Now the landscape changes. From lush growth, we hit semi-desert
land with sun beating down on it and us, too. However, we have sunscreen on, the land doesn’t and it shows.
To our left, we see the aftermath of volcanic eruptions that illustrate the power and force experienced in
the region of an inner-earth that must have been very upset. Thousands of rocks and boulders are piled
making a natural wall along the river. Behind these stacks are the mountains, the original source of such
massive piles of blackened boulders.
As we continue, the river still keeps flowing which creates a very green and colorful environment providing
life against a stark contrast. Beyond it are the rock piles and every now and again, a protruding volcano
top can be seen. The harsh environment is beautiful in its own way but also softened by snow-capped peaks
in the background.
The harshness of nature prominent, compensated somewhat by snow-capped volcano.
Pardon me?
Where is the lake? How much further can it be? Could it have evaporated in this heat? After four miles,
we come over a rise knowing it is going to be in the bowl beyond. No, we are wrong, yet again. A little
further on, the turquoise and emerald water comes into view. It is a large body of water with mountains
on two sides. The water is clean, clear and colorful but very cold. At Over 6,000 feet above sea level,
it is too early in the season to have warmed. After enjoying the sights and cooling our feet in the water,
we head to the smaller lake that has more varied coloring. Both are inviting but we do not have the courage
to venture past thigh level. Next time perhaps, in fact, we do.
'Mountain by the bay'
A real rough and tough environment next to gentle brooks and streams of color as blackened peak protrudes.
On the following hike, which is to a peak as well as lakes, the watercolors were even better. Nature has
beauty in reserve that is so…natural.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
The smaller Green Lake
Serenity, color and stillness, (if not by the blog), can put a person to sleep.
We mentioned under the second photo, our planned attempt at reaching the
South Sister Volcano Summit aka 'Charity', at 10,300 feet. In one of our
finest and toughest experiences, we accumulated 5,000 feet elevation gain,
a personal record, and 12.5 miles return, in distance.
Below are a few photographs from the peak, a full missive to follow later:
Jenni at the peak, above North Sister, 'Faith'. Mount Jefferson hides behind.
Sisters, 'Hope and Faith', to the north. Brother Jeffrey, a little excited.
Mount Bachelor, on the ascent side, deals with smoke from wildfires.
Editor struggles with scree on a steep climb, equally difficult going down, too.
Just below the summit, one of many snowfields; wildfire smoke creates a haze over mountains.
Perspective: After hiking more than 2 miles from the trailhead, we are confronted with a formidable sight.
The peak is beyond the top shown in picture. Editor had to hold us from turning around.
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