PCT: Big Lake to Belknap Crater

… and back. On the way to Camp Sherman for a week of hiking and Metolius River chill, the first day started at Santiam Pass from the PCT junction at Big Lake. Intention was to hike as far as possible across the lava flows south of Wasthington and ideally, Belknap Crater. Starting pre-dawn in a warm pinkish sunrise was an omen for the day to come.

As the sun rose into clear blue skies, Mt Washington came fully into view from the northwest.

Then at the saddle meadow where PCTers camp regularly (without water), Washington came back full view. On the north side of the meadow, fresh coyote poo and filled with deer hair (scavangers!).

Belknap Crater came into view as one rounds the south side of Washington – the destination. Looking back up, however, … fire’s devestation.

The challenge now was to cross the lava flow – tough on ankles!

I arrived at Belknap just in time for lunch, while I didn’t go to summit, I sat right underneath the largest ‘blow hole’

After lunch, retraced my steps and ended up back at the car around 2:00 pm for the short drive down to Camp Sherman.

Mt Washington is one of the stranger Central Cascade peaks like a little nipple sticking out of the forest. This area is seldom hiked by non-thru hikers but for the effort required, it’s an amazing walk in the right weather (not hot). This stretch was damaged from several fires from 2003 thru 2007 that eventually joined the B&B Complex fire around Mt Jefferson and Santiam Pass, so the entire area is in fire recovery. Animals, however, are coming back and the contrast of the white tree skeletons and the autumn ground cover colors beats Monet every day.

The Route

Starting at Big Lake PCT TH avoids the 3 mile stretch between Santiam Pass and Big Lake that is just a flat cruise over cross-country ski trails and forest roads around Hoodo Ski area. Stayed on PCT all the way to Belknap Crater junction and then up the crater. Retraced back to car.

Trail conditions were perfect! (except the lava section which is always tough). No blowdowns beyond step overs and very fast … not even dusty. Human traffic was about 3-5 people and 0 PCTers. Deer were seen on the north side of mountain 3x – 2 singles and 1 trio.

Data Geek Cellar

• Shoes: Altra Timp 6 WP Boots – Currex Insole, T-Form insole pad
• Pack: Gossamer Gear Grit
• Upper Layers: Baselayer, + Patagonia Capilene
• Upper shell: none
• Trekking Poles: Gossamer Gear
• Approximate Times: 06:15-14:00
• Effort Scale: Today = 130; YTD Avg = 148; YTD Median = 170 (below average effort)
• Carbon ratio: 5.0 hours (2 hours driving: hours outdoors 8.0); YTD = 212 hours banked
• Miles hiked YTD: 1055
• Notes:
  • Weather ideal after last week’s rain