Every year, my wife and I head up to Washington for a summer vacation. Last year, I hiked with a friend in the Cascades to Big Heart Lake. After that hike, we decided to make it a tradition to hike again next year. This year, my friend chose something a little closer: the Indian Heaven Wilderness. We accessed the trailhead, East Crater, from out of the Columbia River Gorge, turning at a small town of Carson. We took a series of backroads, navigating one washed out portion of the road, to reach our starting point. The East Crater Trail met up with the Pacific Crest Trail at Junction Lake. The woods were still, dense, and mystic as we gradually ascended on the trail.
Washington Forest on the East Crater Trail
We thought Junction Lake would be a good place to camp for the night before exlporing the Indian Heaven Wilderness. However, the lake was shallow and more like a pond, not a very scenic spot to swim and camp.
Junction Lake along the Pacific Crest Trail, Washington
We decided to push onward along the Pacific Crest Trail. We met two other hikers and asked about any lakes ahead. Yes, they said, Bear Lake is ten more minutes ahead and only one other person is camping there. We arrived, liked what we saw and ended finding a quiet cove to camp. We swam, set up camp, ate a delicious supper of beef brisket and tried to avoid the swarms of bugs.
Moon Rising at Bear Lake, Washington
Campsite near Bear Lake
Waking the next morning to a warm sun, the clear lake was aqua and still. After a lazy morning and a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs, we set off to find Lemei Rock in the Indian Heaven Wilderness.
Morning Reflections at Bear Lake, Washington
Camping at Bear Lake, Washington
Aqua Waters of Bear Lake, Washington
Wild Huckleberries
We really hadn’t seen any good views yet, just thick forests and small lakes. However, as we approached Lemei Rock, meadows opened up and we spotted Mt. Rainier. Once at Lemei Rock, we ventured a little further and had a spectacular view of Mt. Adams. Lemei Rock beckoned us, and we scampered up the slippery slope to the top for lunch and an amazing 360 degree view. Turning around in a circle, we could see Mt. Hood and Jefferson in Oregon, followed by Mt. Saint Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Adams.
Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier from Lemei Rock, Indian Heaven Wilderness, Washington
Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson, view from Lemei Rock
These prominent mountains are distinct and glorious to behold. After taking in the view, we decided to head back to the car to make it back before dark. Both on the way to and on the way back from the hike, we stopped at a little ice cream stand. I was captivated by the Lemon Meringue Pie ice cream both times, yet not as captivated as I was by our views from Lemei Rock.
Flowers on Lemei Rock
Indian Heaven Wilderness, Washington
Mt. Adams
Indian Heaven Wilderness, Washington
Mt. Adams
Mt. Adams – Indian Heaven Wilderness, Washington