Pacific Crest Trail: Soda Mountain Road to Boccard Point

November 4, 2018
~10.4 miles

I had the chance to go for a trail run on the PCT and a side trip to Boccard Point in the Cascade Siskiyou National Monument and Soda Mountain Wilderness. This route is described in William Sullivan's 100 Hikes in Oregon Book.

I started from the Powerline Trailhead off Soda Mountain Road on the PCT southbound.

It was a cloudy day and I expected rain.

There was some trail in the forest.

I went off trail a little to Little Pilot Peak for a great view.

The view from Little Pilot Peak was awesome.

Panorama from Little Pilot Peak

I left the PCT at a confusing junction and followed an old road to Boccard Point.

Boccard Point

I could see Little Pilot Rock.

Panorama from Boccard Point

The base of Mount Shasta was visible but its summit was in the clouds.

Little Pilot Rock

I turned around and headed back the way I came. This was a great adventure on the PCT. The views were great! Excited to have had the chance to complete another short section of the PCT. I didn't have time but there is also a great view at Soda Mountain itself and there is a lookout tower there.

Mountain Lakes Wilderness: Varney Creek Trail to Lake Harriette

October 28, 2018

The Mountain Lakes Wilderness is one of Oregon's original wilderness areas. It is a 6 mile by 6 mile square. It includes beautiful lakes and mountain passes.  I had the chance to complete a trail run to Lake Harriette as described in William Sullivan's 100 hikes in Oregon book. It was about 12.5 miles round trip for me. There is also an option for a loop around the higher elevation portion for a total of about 17 miles.

I began the trail on the Varney Creek Trail.

It was about 4.5 miles in climbing up in the forest to reach the main loop trail.

It was chilly and raining so I didn't get many photos in the forest. After quite a bit of climbing, I made it to a nice view.

I reached the first lake on my route, Lake Como.

Lake Como

It was beautiful mountain scenery.

I continued on the trail through the forest.

I climbed a pass and could see down to Lake Harriette.

Lake Harriette from pass

I descended to Lake Harriette and enjoyed the view. Lake Harriette might be the prettiest lake in the wilderness.

Panorama from Lake Harriette

There was a beautiful reflection back at Como Lake.

Como Lake

Panorama of Como Lake

I returned back down the Varney Creek Trail to my car. This was an awesome wilderness experience. There wasn't anyone else on the trail. The lakes were special. This would be a great place to complete the entire loop as a one night backpacking trip.

Pacific Crest Trail: Brown Mountain Lava Flow and side trip to Fish Lake

October 7, 2018

I went for a trail run on a beautiful section of the Pacific Crest Trail and also a side trip to Fish Lake. This is one of the best designed sections of the PCT as it was constructed right through a lava flow. This route is described in William Sullivan's 100 Hikes in Oregon Book. In total, I ran about 10.23 miles.

I started from the Pacific Crest Trailhead at the Summit Snow Park off Highway 140 on the North Side of the road. 

I took the short access trail to the PCT and turned south.

Pacific Crest Trail

After crossing Highway 140 I quickly reached the High Lakes Trail, a trail that connects Fish Lake and Lake of the Woods. I turned right and headed toward Fish Lake.

The trail went past some lava.

This trail is used by bikes and quite a pleasant trail.

I reached Fish Lake and did a little exploring around the campground.

Then I turned around and headed back to the PCT.

High Lakes Trail

I made it back to the PCT and turned south.

Soon I reached the Brown Mountain Lava flow. The trail in this section is awesome.

So much lava but the trail is so smooth and gentle.

Looking north there was a great view of Mount McLoughlin with clouds over its summit.

To reach the summit of Mount McLoughlin is non-technical and hopefully sometime I will be able to do it.

Mount McLoughlin and Pacific Crest Trail

Panorama of Mount McLoughlin from Brown Mountain Lava flow

I the way back I passed a backpacker heading south. Otherwise, I didn't see many people on the trail.

This was another beautiful section of the PCT and the High Lakes Trail to Fish Lake was also nice. I'm very thankful for all the hard work that has been put in to designing, constructing, and maintaining this portion of the trail.