Indian Heaven - CCT/PCT Loop 29-Sep-2011
Posted: September 29th, 2011, 6:23 pm
I’m on travel in Canada all next week and used that as an excuse to grab a weekday for a “last gasp of summer” hike. So it was back to Indian Heaven. In the 1970’s, the old Cascade Crest Trail (CCT) - that went around the E side of Berry Mtn - was replaced by a new section of PCT directly over the mountain. It was a good move as the views are now wonderful but I wondered if a loop was possible N on the CCT with a return S on the PCT? So I headed N from the Crest TH, past Sheep Lakes,
to an obscure “junction” about 100’ S of the Tr 171A/PCT junction, then struck right (follow the arrow).
It didn’t look like much for the first 100’ or so, but, after 40 years, the old tread is still there under the bushes. It was sketchy in a few spots, but at no time was it difficult to follow or required heroic route finding. Under the forest canopy it was pretty obvious and got better as I went N.
After about 1.5 mi, the trail passes by a huge meadow, watered by multiple water courses coming off Berry Mtn.
The day was beyond bluebird, sunny but crisp and not a bug of any consequence in sight.
This was the one place where the trail was a little confusing, but it soon became obvious that it skirted the meadow just inside the trees.
After about 3.5 mi, I came to Tr 55 (which blended seamlessly into the old CCT) and Tombstone Lk, which was amazing in the late morning calm.
Next up was the junction of Tr 55 and the PCT at Blue Lk, which is a popular destination for folks coming in from the Thomas Lk TH.
The journey back on the PCT was effortlessly smooth – hiking it is so not bush whacking – with views of Hood,
St. Helens,
and the perky little lookout on top of Red Mtn.
Equally amazing were the things still blooming and growing, as though it was June and not the day before October!
Once again, Indian Heaven didn’t disappoint (and neither did the weather) – a great day with great memories to carry me through the La Niña winter ahead . This is a good loop – the old CCT is easy to follow once you get started, it’s not crowded, and the views are expansive from the PCT S of Gifford. 14.4 mi, 2280’ gain.
to an obscure “junction” about 100’ S of the Tr 171A/PCT junction, then struck right (follow the arrow).
It didn’t look like much for the first 100’ or so, but, after 40 years, the old tread is still there under the bushes. It was sketchy in a few spots, but at no time was it difficult to follow or required heroic route finding. Under the forest canopy it was pretty obvious and got better as I went N.
After about 1.5 mi, the trail passes by a huge meadow, watered by multiple water courses coming off Berry Mtn.
The day was beyond bluebird, sunny but crisp and not a bug of any consequence in sight.
This was the one place where the trail was a little confusing, but it soon became obvious that it skirted the meadow just inside the trees.
After about 3.5 mi, I came to Tr 55 (which blended seamlessly into the old CCT) and Tombstone Lk, which was amazing in the late morning calm.
Next up was the junction of Tr 55 and the PCT at Blue Lk, which is a popular destination for folks coming in from the Thomas Lk TH.
The journey back on the PCT was effortlessly smooth – hiking it is so not bush whacking – with views of Hood,
St. Helens,
and the perky little lookout on top of Red Mtn.
Equally amazing were the things still blooming and growing, as though it was June and not the day before October!
Once again, Indian Heaven didn’t disappoint (and neither did the weather) – a great day with great memories to carry me through the La Niña winter ahead . This is a good loop – the old CCT is easy to follow once you get started, it’s not crowded, and the views are expansive from the PCT S of Gifford. 14.4 mi, 2280’ gain.