Tag: Mt Jefferson Wilderness

For years I have heard the praise of Jeff Park and how everyone else had been there. So this Sunday Siobhan and I had our chance find out what the place was like. I knew this hike was very popular with day hikers and backpackers so to get a parking spot it meant an early start and it paid off. We were fortunate to have great weather with blue sky and not to warm. The trail climbs gradually through the woods to where it reaches the large flat area that is Jeff Park. We cross the area of pounds, lakes and meadows on the PCT and on the far side head up the trail to a ridge but short of the pass. On returning we did a side trip to see the main camping area by some lakes. It worked out to be a long day with all the stopping and looking that we did.

A lot of cars for early in the morning. Sharif search and rescue told us to keep and eye out for a lost hiker.

Entering Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. First time I have been here.

The trail climbs through old growth then sub-alpine forest.

Our first look at the mountain.

We found several bleeding heart plants at trail side.

We realize the whole slope above us was covered with bleeding heart plants.

Mt. Jefferson from the trail.

We went by several rock slopes that gave us and idea of the unique geology that made Jeff Park.

We had one stream crossing and with the water being low made it easy.

Our first flower meadow as we entered Jeff Park.

Mt. Jefferson from Jeff Park

Yet another photo of Mt. Jefferson. The meadows were green and misquotes were out.

We ran into Wit packing out while we were coming in and he said he attempted a climb of Park Butte.

We did a hike around this lake and found a maze of trails. This are shows signs of over use and they have limited camping here.

What we saw the most of was Indian Paint Brush.

A good condition incentive is to have to climb the trail faster then the horse.

Siobhan on the PCT climbing out of Jeff Park.

Looking down on Jeff Park.

We made it to a ridge view point and made this our turn around point.

Heading back down the PCT to Jeff Park

Jeff Park is a flat area in the mountains.

This are looked like a snow collecting bowl from the last ice age.

Looking down on Russel Lake.

Heading back across Jeff Park.

We looped around Scout Lake on our way back.

Last view of Mt. Jefferson while heading back to the car.