Cairn Basin via Vista Ridge 6.12.15

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weathercrazy
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Cairn Basin via Vista Ridge 6.12.15

Post by weathercrazy » June 13th, 2015, 5:59 am

What a day! Wow!

I got a much later start than I wanted, but in the end everything worked out.

All pics (a lot!)

http://weathercrazy.smugmug.com/Landsca ... idge-61215

Opening pic

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Hood was playing hide and seek on the drive in.

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The bear grass on the road in was awesome, a good sign.

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The trail is in decent shape to start. The walk through the snags seems devastating but beautiful.

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The bear grass on the lower part of the trail is close to peak, maybe another few days to a week.

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Heather

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More and more bear grass. I really thought it would be the show stealer this trip.

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Then the avalanche lilies started. One large patch near 5,100'.

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Then a whole bunch more fried lilies which drew my eyes up again.

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Then I found this...a couple kissing near the trail...hope they didn't mind me photographing them...

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And millions more lilies...I'll let the pictures do the talking...

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Oh ya, Hood

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This was the most snow I encountered on the trail.

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The views overlooking the fire to the north were amazing!

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No snow...

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Cairn Basin flowers were coming out nicely.

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Overlooking Eden Park

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Hood From Eden

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Here's why I wasn't moving so fast...

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And

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And

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Yep

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It was like a group of friends waiting along the trail...

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Back to the carpets of flowers...

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And then back to bear grass alley:

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Besides the muddy areas near Cairn Basin and Ladd Creek, the trail was in great condition.

Crossing Ladd Creek was entertaining...ended up with one wet foot, but no big deal as I was expecting it.

A tip though!*

When using your tripod/walking sticks to balance yourself, make sure when you put it in the water, that there is something underneath it!

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wsevert
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Location: SE Portland

Re: Cairn Basin via Vista Ridge 6.12.15

Post by wsevert » June 13th, 2015, 6:04 am

There are some amazing photos in that set. Thanks for posting them!

Severt

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woodswalker
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Re: Cairn Basin via Vista Ridge 6.12.15

Post by woodswalker » June 13th, 2015, 7:02 am

Wow! Thanks to you and Miah for your pics and reports.We are taking a friend up there for her birthday this weekend and I'm happy to have such great info.
Woodswalker

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Paul2
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Re: Cairn Basin via Vista Ridge 6.12.15

Post by Paul2 » June 13th, 2015, 10:44 am

Great report! I can tell you love those glacier lilies. I really love that one with the road and the mountain in the background.
Were the mosquitoes bad at the Timberline Trail? I've been wanting to go up there for a backpacking trip at Dollar Lake.
Last edited by Paul2 on June 13th, 2015, 7:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I've been wandering early and late, from New York City to the Golden Gate, and it don't look like I'll ever stop my wandering.
-James Taylor

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mjuliana
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Re: Cairn Basin via Vista Ridge 6.12.15

Post by mjuliana » June 13th, 2015, 6:31 pm

Just wow. Looks amazing. As always, love your shots.
Thanks,
Mike J

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Peder
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Location: Lake Oswego

Re: Cairn Basin via Vista Ridge 6.12.15

Post by Peder » June 14th, 2015, 4:28 pm

Oh the pictures! Fantastic!
Some people are really fit at eighty; thankfully I still have many years to get into shape…

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sprengers4jc
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Re: Cairn Basin via Vista Ridge 6.12.15

Post by sprengers4jc » June 14th, 2015, 5:30 pm

So glad you got up there! Really an amazing set of photos. Some of your best work yet, methinks. :o
'We travel not to escape life but for life to not escape us.'
-Unknown

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weathercrazy
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Re: Cairn Basin via Vista Ridge 6.12.15

Post by weathercrazy » June 17th, 2015, 4:49 am

Sorry for the late reply. ..I'm in Glacier right now.

The mosquitoes weren't horrible or thick, but they were persistent and I did receive a few bites for sure!

They are just as persistent up her in Montana!


quote="Paul2"]Great report! I can tell you love those glacier lilies. I really love that one with the road and the mountain in the background.
Were the mosquitoes bad at the Timberline Trail? I've been wanting to go up there for a backpacking trip at Dollar Lake.[/quote]

Hayduke
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Re: Cairn Basin via Vista Ridge 6.12.15

Post by Hayduke » June 15th, 2018, 2:18 pm

Outstanding photos!

mtnhiker56
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Joined: August 21st, 2011, 7:29 am

Re: Cairn Basin via Vista Ridge 6.12.15

Post by mtnhiker56 » June 20th, 2018, 4:46 pm

Vista ridge trail in great shape? Huh...I must have been on the wrong trail a week earlier....but your pics are nice!

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