Weather Update - PNWNP Fall Color Event

UPDATE: Well there's always something you forget to check. I forgot to double check to make sure the campgrounds would be open.

Tankhalakh and Goose Lake won't be open. They close Oct 1. The parking area will be open at Goose Lake, just not the campground.

Trout Lake Creek and Forlorn Lakes campgrounds will be open however. And these are beautiful areas as well. Byron, with the forest service, also highly recommends Surprise Lake along the edge of Indian Heaven where the huckleberry "Handshake agreement" is. For those unfamiliar with the area, there is a handshake agreement with the tribes that non-tribal members won't pick berries on the east side of the road in the Indian Heaven area. Anyway, I digress. He told me there is a terrific view of Adams from Surprise Lake, so I'm thinking that can be our Saturday sunset location.

I can't modify the event page until I get home, but I'll get it done tonight.

Bottom line is we'll be in the Trout Lake vicinity both days. That'll probably make things easier anyway.

-end of update-

Hi folks,

I decided on a place and date last week and scouted the area this past weekend to make sure my predictions were reasonable. I'll get the Event page up either tonight or tomorrow night. Sorry it's taking so long, but I'm trying to work this in between the items on the ol' honey-do list But to give you all a heads-up so you can make plans:

WHEN: Oct. 6 & 7 - This is when the vine maple in the area peaks; usually late Sep. to mid Oct.

WHERE: Mt Adams Ranger District, Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Saturday will be in the vicinity of Trout Lake. Sunday will be Takhalak Lake. (this is an edit from the original post.)

WHAT: Predominantly Vine Maple and Huckleberry.

More details, including proposed itinerary will be in the Event page when it gets posted.

There didn't seem to be a real consensus among the group about where to go, except that folks wanted something different from Mt Hood and the Gorge, so I chose an area I know well, and doesn't seem to be as heavily photographed.

EDIT: After talking to the Cowlitz and Mt Adams ranger stations, I edited the WHERE: section. They suggested Walupt and Takhalak Lakes would be good about that time, and both have trailheads at the campgrounds.

Oooh, just in time for my birthday (Oct. 8) :)

Details on distance, etc would be great, too, as I've never been there. I hope to be a the beach around this time, too.

Kevin

all that will be on the event page. I need to finish it up and get it posted tonight... I hope

We'll meet Saturday morning at the Mt Adams Ranger Station in Trout Lake, which is about 20 miles or so, north of Hood River, on Hwy 141.

FYI: I just got off the phone with the property owners on each side of Trout Lake Creek where the Mt Adams Highway (aka forest road 17) crosses it, and they've given us permission to cross their property to access the shores of the creek for photographs during the weekend of our event.

You guys will love this spot! here's a link to a photo from the bridge. The photo ain't too great, but it gives you an idea of the possibilities...

If Takhlakh Lake is an intended destination, be warned that FR 23 was washed out about a mile south of the Lewis River and Takhlakh Lake cannot be accessed from FR 90 right now (you have to come in via FR 23 from Randle). The FS website hasn't updated their info since July, so you might want to double check to make sure it hasn't been fixed yet Curtis.

Good question Bryan. No the 23 road has not been reopened. So yes, those without a 4x4 and high clearance, will need to come down from Randle via the 23 road, or Packwood via the 21 road.

I talked to the ranger station and there is a 4x4 bypass road that is open (and is expected to remain open) that bypasses Babyshoe Pass where the washout is. But the road supposedly requires a 4x4 and high clearence. I plan to scout the road sometime during the next couple weeks.

Details will be in the event page. I can't get the page finished tonight. I was hoping I could, but I had some unexpected family issues tonight.

Don't worry I'm doing my homework But any information or suggestions you guys have is greatly appreciated. Getting the group together and then finding that I forgot to check something would be a really bad thing

You had me at the creek....

Sweet! My birthday is on the 4th, and unless my wife has something special planned I'll be there. The place looks promising.

Is the campground a reservation site or first come? Link?

I promise I'll get the event page posted tonight. it'll have all the details about accomodations including campgrounds. There are lots of options.

No reservations, but this time of year ya pretty much have the place to yourself...

I believe there is not water available. So if camping bring your own.

Cool, someone finally hit on something I'd forgotten to check out. I'll look into it and include that info on the event page.

Thanks Jim!

ok, I finally got the page posted. Somehow FrontPage dorked up the format a little so it looks a little wierd, but I'm too tired to deal with it tonight.

The info is there and it's legible. If you have any comments or questions, please post to this thread, email me, or even call if you like.

That all looks good, Curtis, thanks for all the work. I may have that weekend free and if I do I'll certainly be there.

Curtis, thanks for taking the time to put all this info together. Looks like a nice place. I am not sure if I can make it. If I do come it will be late on Saturday or really really early Sunday!

Thanks for all the leg work, Curtis. I will try to be there.

Curtis,

Great planning, one thing though. What are you planning for weather? I suggest light fog in the morning followed by bright overcast till about 2PM, Then, clearing in the afternoon with some nice puffy white clouds. For the evening how about a brilliant red/orange sunset with wisps of blue and white and oh yes, no wind!

Doyle

I won't be able to be there on Saturday since my wife is working, but I plan to make it to sunrise on Sunday morning. It sounds like a great area.

Doyle, I submitted a very similar request to NOAA and they said I'd missed the deadline. Weather requests have to be submitted 6 months in advance Maybe next year.

I hope you guys can make it. sorry about all that family responsibility there Ryan That's what's nice about having teenagers, we can usually leave them alone for a day... hmm... in fact, I think that's about the ONLY thing nice about having teenagers! Just Kidding! good thing the kids never read this forum!

This event has been very well planned. Great job with your efforts.
Jim

Sounds like fun .. this'll be my fourth visit to Mt.Adams this season - if I make it ... :). I might not shoot but will try to make it to the event. Thanks for all the planning Curtis.

- pradeep

Hey thanks for the comments and all the help/reminders folks! It was a big help to have you making sure I checked this, that, and the other thing.

I'm looking forward to seeing some old faces and meeting some new ones!

Pradeep, do bring your camera because I think you'll have a tough time resisting the urge!

BTW: who's planning on camping? I'm don't think I mentioned it but Trout Lake Creek is a lot closer to our primary shooting area by about 15 minutes or so (that's a guess) which is one reason I chose to stay there. the primary reason though is just that I love the creek and I don't have any Fall images of it.

I'll be camping for sure if I make. Depending on the color and weather one night for sure, two if it is nice.

Well...it turns out I'll be at the beach after all for the entire weekend (our one and only little vacation this year after a long year). And if it DOESN'T RAIN and if my wife GIVES ME the chance, I might, MIGHT, get something from the beach. So I'll have to settle for another time, everyone. Sorry

BUT, that doesn't mean that we can't set up another group the next weekend/weekday thing, RIGHT???

Kevin

Curtis, I'm going to try to make it, but probably for saturday only.

Hey Curtis,

I'm currently planning on attending and camping as well. Looking very forward to it. Thanks a ton for all the detailed planning!

-Brett

looks beautiful.....
found this link http://jeffstatt.smugmug.com/gallery/2013966 with some snapshots somebody took this time last year there.
I'm trying to figure out if I can make it or not. Thanks for the coordination

Curtis,
I dont think I can make it. I have an Art show two weekends in a row in Lincoln City, and one of them is on this weekend . Too bad, I'd love to make it up there and see everyone. Who knows...I may bail on the art show...I'm 70/30 on it.

Thanks for all the great work you've put into this...just awesome! Tip of the hat to ya sir!

No sweat Rick. I understand... I won't hold it against you... even after all the hard work I went to for this... all just for you... but hey, I don't want you to feel bad or anything...


Thanks for the link Chris! Those berry bushes are really flaming red! For those who are expecting to make it, I'm looking forward to meeting those I haven't met, and it's been way too long since I've seen the rest of you!

Won't there be an Oregon one too?

Ned, I was thinking about it, but the response was mediocre so I decided on just one event. But, since this one is during the first week of Oct, there really is time for an Oregon event if there is sufficient interest...???

Who wants a second event? I would suggest Clear Lake (MacKenzie River) second or third week of Oct... I was there this last weekend and I'd say it's a good month from peak... The lake is full of unique colors, and makes a great contrast to the fall colors.

Oh - I just thought there was original talk, (which there was I see), for each state - separate trips. I just thought that would give Rick a choice perhaps....

Sounds great! Count me in!! perfect timing for me - I have been drowning wiith a new job, and need a break desperately!

Sandy r

I'll have my 22-ft self-contained camper, so will be able to bring extra gallons of water, etc for people - or store valuable things during the day when we are out.

I also have a generator, and can charge batteries for people, and a microwave for frozen dinners, etc. Can't share the down bed, though....

Let me know if anyone needs anything special -

How far of a hike are we talking here?

and , please, can someone point me to the "Event PAGE" ?

Thanks-

Sandy r
MoonshadowRN@yahoo.com

At the top of this page, click the Events link. You'll find the link to the event page there.

No long strenuous hikes are planned, but there are plenty of trails in the area if anyone wishes to venture out. It's pretty flat terrain at Natural Bridges, and at the Trout Lake Creek bridge. I'm not sure what the terrain is like at Surprise Lakes, but I'll be in the area Saturday so I'll try to get time to scout it.

If we decide to do Langfield Falls, it's steep 1/4 mile hike to the base of the falls.

Umm... Sandy, are you camping, or bringing the whole house with you? Just Kidding! Glad you're going to make it; looking forward to meeting you!

BTW: I always bring enough wood for a few modest campfires so if anyone wants to save some room in thier rig and join me in the evenings everyone's always welcome around my fire.

Great idea, Curtis - I'll bring some wood too, and marshmallows!

Really looking forward to this!!



PS: This ** IS ** my idea of camping! Hot food, good bed, and a shower, if needed!
Wuuusss is me.

Sandy

I took my dad for a drive Saturday and we checked out the Surprise Lakes area. There are a couple trails in this area, and the Pacific Crest Trail is one of them.

Unfortunately, the shooting spots weren't obvious from the road(s) and Dad doesn't get around too well anymore so I couldn't get out and scout the area on foot. The mountain was mostly obscured by clouds the whole time so I couldn't tell what the reflections might be like either.

I think though that we would be wise to use the harsh mid-day light to scout the area on foot after we finish up at Natural Bridges. Theres not a lot in the way of deciduous trees, but this is a major berry fields area (Indian Heaven Wilderness) and they're turning various shades of red and yellow right now.

Also, Mosquito Lake, and the South Climb trail are on the route to Surprise Lakes. The road to the South Climb trailhead has a couple small stands of Aspen that I remember from last year.

This sounds great! I plan on coming down on Friday to familiarize myself with the area. Hopefully my wide angle will be back from Nikon and repaired by then. I will be camping and will bring a little hickory to burn.

I might make it as well. Have some fun for change . Great job Curtis !!!!

well it looks like the weather might give us a break from the rain on Saturday and into Sunday morning... we can hope anyway! :)

Not looking too good for sunrise, but at least we'll get an extra hour of sleep that way

I still plan to camp at TLC CG Friday and Saturday.

This is the NW, a little rain this time of year is expected. Besides, if it lets up and the clouds break just a bit, could make for some really good lighting

I agree Douglas.

If we get a good shower that soaks the leaves, and the sun comes out, we've got back-lit, wet leaves. Add a polarizer to maximize saturation (by cutting the glare) and you've got a great photo op. I'm looking forward to it.

Weather forecast for Trout Lake is looking better every day. currently it's partly cloudy and slight chance of showers the whole weekend, with Saturday looking to be the best day.

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=98650

Hope to see you there!

Ok, heading up Friday am.
Sandy

Looks like I will head up Fri afternoon in my VW Camper . Will camp Fri and Sat. See ya-all there.

Jerry

9 pm: The weather now shows rain at trout lake fri-sat-sun-mon-tues ++. Not looking very good.


I'll check and post again later tonight and in the morning...

Sandy

10:30 pm - no change in forcast.
http://www.weather.com/ - then enter Trout Lake, WA
I don't like the 33 degrees at night much either... sorry..
Sandy

Well, the weather is going to be what it is. It's always a crap shoot and it's always cold at night this time of year. That's why God invented the sleeping bag

Weather Underground is forecasting only a 20% chance of rain on Saturday afternoon, and 50% Sat Night and Sunday. That means we get a nice day Saturday, and maybe some sun breaks on Sunday... And we can get an extra hour or two of sleep on Sunday, since the chance of a nice sunrise is almost zero.

This is a much better forecast than a week ago, so I'm very encouraged!