Camp Sherman to Suttle Lake

The original plan was to hike Metolius-Windego trail north / northwest until snow pack made it impossible. I left Pine Rest CG in Camp Sherman as part of May Day adventure very early in morning, but headlamp not needed. The planned trip, however, needed to be changed given a missing bridge – and my total unwillingness to get wet when 35 degrees.

The Route

I started Thursday morning May1 at Pine Rest and headed upriver to Camp Sherman and then through town (?) on Lake Creek trail to the Metolius-Windego junction. Then north on that trail until I was forced to turn around and return to Lake Creek tr, which then was taken all the way to Suttle Lake and the return.

The Metolius-Windego trail is a horse trail – no doubt – and it’s NOT smooth or even … it’s walking in hoof prints 3-4 inches deep – not easy. Here is the stream (First Creek) crossing that forced me to turn around – the ford was ok for horses, but not humans.

I retraced my steps to the Lake Creek trail, and headed up to Suttle Lake.

Along the way & Suttle Lake

Along the way to Suttle Lake the trail is a twin-track – one side for bikes and one side for horses. I stayed in the bike lane and met a group of >10 bikes on the way back.

One tree on the way really caught my camera … maybe it’s an illusion but sure looks like one tree bent the other, and Black Butte covered in snow reminded me that summer is not here, yet. Suttle Lake is just picture perfect under the snow

Data Geek Corner

• Shoes: Altra Lone Peak low mesh uppers
• Pack: Gossamer Fast Kumo 36
• Upper Layers: 2 (base layer, Patagonia light weight)
• Upper shell: none
• Trekking Poles: Yes – Gossamer Gear
• Approximate Times: 06:00 to 14:00
• Carbon ratio: For all Camp Sherman hikes – 12 driving karma, 20.25 actual hiking time – 94 hours banked YTD
• Notes:
  • Photos: low
  • Speed: medium
  • Difficulty: easy