DUTCH FLAT LAKE | 3-4 SEPT
Labor Day weekend and temperatures in the mid 90s to 100s. Sounds like the perfect time to go hiking, right? I decided to take a few days to explore an area of the Pacific Northwest that I have yet to see since moving here last year: Oregon! I drove down the the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest less than two weeks ago for the eclipse, but did not end up hiking, as the sole focus was finding a little patience while driving among the seas of people. I should have gone hiking.
The plan for this trip was to head into Eagle Cap Wilderness towards Mirror Lake. I figured, since the the trailhead had been almost empty during eclipse weekend, then it would be similar over Labor Day weekend.
I was wrong.
Granted, I arrived later in the day, but still. Not a single camping sight along Lostine River Road. Cars were parallel parked (mostly) off the road for what seemed like half a mile. It was probably only 20-30 cars, plus those in the parking lot. Feeling defeated, I moved to plan B: Elkhorn Crest Trail west of Baker City.
DAY 1: Elkhorn Crest Trailhead to Dutch Flat Lake (3.95 miles)
I woke up at 6:00AM the next morning in the Elkhorn Crest Trailhead parking lot, the cool morning are still holding on before the sun rose. As soon as the sun was up, I could feel the heat setting in quickly. There was no denying that it was going to be a hot day, not a cloud in the sky. I decided I would go as far as I could in the heat and a pack weighing a little under 35 pounds.
The trail starts at Elkhorn Crest Trailhead by near the ski lodge, through forest that reminds me of hiking in Yosemite, big boulders everywhere you look. There were few people on the trail in the morning. I started just after a small family moved along with two little boys on mountain bikes. The younger boy saw my backpack and asked his mother what I was doing. He had a big smile on his face as she explained about camping in the woods. I saw few others until I was a mile or two into the hike, as the trail climbed and became more exposed to the blue skies.
As I grew closer to the top of the 1,000ft+ elevation gain at around 2.5 miles, I was passed by a group of 20 or so young runners, high school or college. Only half had water, the rest carried nothing; lucky that they encountered no issues other than sunburn and some likely dehydration in the 6 or so miles that day. If recent events (RE: 140 hikers trapped) prove anything, it is to always bring the 10 essentials, even if you are just planning on a day hike.
“1. NAVIGATION (MAP AND COMPASS)
2. SUN PROTECTION (SUNGLASSES AND SUNSCREEN)
3. INSULATION (EXTRA CLOTHING)
4. ILLUMINATION (HEADLAMP/FLASHLIGHT)
5. FIRST-AID SUPPLIES
6. FIRE (WATERPROOF MATCHES/LIGHTER/CANDLES)
7. REPAIR KIT AND TOOLS
8. NUTRITION (EXTRA FOOD)
9. HYDRATION (EXTRA WATER)
10. EMERGENCY SHELTER”
— REI
At approximately 3 miles, I reached the junction to Dutch Flat Lake, Lost Lake (and the rest of the Elkhorn Trail), and Crawfish Basin. With the heat beating down mid-day and a new pack that I was still adjusting too, I decided to head down the Dutch Flat Lake and call it a day.
DAY 2: Dutch Flat Lake to Elkhorn Crest Trailhead via Crawfish Basin (5.94 miles)
After a relaxing morning, I set out into the once again blistering heat on Eastern Oregon. I tell myself every time how much I hate the heat, but I keep hiking in it, hoping some day it will change, even a little. Seriously though, I would love if the temperature never went above 75. I miss those cool Central California afternoons, where all you had to do was hop in a car an drive inland if you wanted 80-90 degree heat.
I was debating on heading back the same way or taking the Crawfish Basin Trail that a group of three local women recommended. I ended up making it a loop, following the trail around the opposite side of Angell Peak and Gunsight Mountain. Most of the trail was similar to Day 1, with less boulders and more dry land. Small fires were visible in the distance. The last two or so miles follows an old service road down to the ski lodge, followed by a short road walk back to the trailhead.
The pack was great overall, though I need to work a few things over in order to solve the sore shoulder issue. Weight before camera and 3L water (but with food) was about 20 lbs.
