Posts Tagged With: Mount McLoughlin

Mount Shasta-Between the Clouds

After an ill-fated attempt at snowshoeing last Thursday, when the weather was so foul that I turned around after just 20 feet and fought my way back to the truck, Reg and I found Mount Ashland far more hospitable today.

In addition to the spectacular view we had of Mount Shasta (top photo), our ongoing uphill efforts were rewarded with another distant view of Mount Mcloughlin (above).

Today was the perfect day for a snowshoe trek on Mount Ashland. Clouds above us and clouds below us left us with incredible views that went on forever. No reason to hurry back to the truck this time!

Categories: Ashland life | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Lake of the Woods Rewards

Our local weather forecast promises a wet week ahead so we took advantage of the sunshine today, grabbed our friends Lan and Jeff and headed for the hills.

Lake of the Woods, about 30 miles east of Ashland, Oregon, is one of our favorite day trips. As we walked along the water’s edge, we were rewarded when swirling clouds revealed a view of the 9,495 foot peak of Mount McLoughlin looming over the Lake.

During warm summer months the waters of Lake of the Woods are alive with boaters, kayakers and children splashing along the shore. Winter months offer a cold and quiet beauty…and (Friday -Sunday) Lake of the Woods Pizzeria, a cozy spot to enjoy the view, an afternoon bite to eat and visit with good friends.

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Buck Prairie outing ends season


Another day of sunshine provided us with a beautiful end to our disappointingly short snowshoe season.  Unusually cold winter temperatures and my poorly timed broken wrist caused a late start this year.  Never mind…our trek today along the Natasha’s Web loop trail at Buck Prairie Winter Recreation Area was well worth the wait.  The trail and clear skies rewarded us with an amazing distant view of 9,495 foot Mount McLoughlin as we headed uphill.

With springtime just around the corner, it’s time for carryoncouple to shift it’s focus.  Next week, we’ll hitch up the trailer (actually, Reg will hitch it up…I supervise) and head first south, then east as we put our love of the “RV way of life” to the test…stay tuned! 

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Lake of the Woods: Relaxation in the Cascades

All is quiet the day after Labor Day at a Lake of the Woods beach.

Mount McLoughlin dominates the Cascade Range during our kayak cruise. A bald eagle watched us at one end of the lake.

Lake of the Woods is the crown jewel of lakes in the southern Cascade Mountain Range within an hour or so drive of Ashland, Oregon.

At 4,949 feet elevation, the natural lake offers relief from summer heat with swimming, boating, fishing and other fun managed by the Lake of the Woods Resort.

We hitched up the trailer on Labor Day and headed for Aspen camp, one of two National Forest Campgrounds on the lake.

The resort was a short walk away from our quiet, deserted campground. We resisted the restaurant but found firewood at the camp store.

The lake's level fluctuates just two feet during a normal year and water temperatures warm to the 70s at the surface. Brook and rainbow trout as well as Kokanee salmon swim in its waters.

Fish Lake was our destination on a nearly seven-mile stroll from North Fork Campground, just a short drive away. We found a greasy spoon cafe that fit the bill perfectly.

Brown Mountain is a backdrop for Reg's stroll.

Fall was in the air as nighttime temperatures dropped into the 30s.

The trail from North Fork campground to Fish Lake follows the North Fork Little Butte Creek.

A boardwalk keeps Trekkers dry during the wet spring months.

 

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Spring brings the top of southern Oregon into focus

Mount Ashland offers some challenging ski runs, including a steep drop off just behind us.

Trees frame Mount McLaughlin in the distance.

Skis mark a lunch stop on Mount Ashland.

We revisited Mount Ashland today after we aborted a recent summit attempt due to wind, cold and terrible visibility.

What a difference two weeks make!

Our snowshoes and encouragement from friends Judy and Chris got us to the top at about 7,500 feet, where more than 22 feet of snow fell this winter.

The ski resort is closed on Wednesdays, but skiers face good conditions for some spring skiing tomorrow. It is just a 40-minute drive from downtown Ashland, Oregon.

A beer and pizza stop at Growler Guys on the way home topped off a glorious day.

 

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Snowshoe trek leads to pinnacle of winter scenery

Mount McLoughlin, at 9,945 feet is a backdrop as Sue and I take a break.

Fellow Ashlanders Chris and Judy inspired us to get snowshoes.

A spring-like day presented the perfect chance to head up to the Cascades about a half hour from Ashland for a snowshoe trek.

We started at about the 5,000-foot level and went up gentle slopes for magnificent mountain views.

After years of sparse snowfall, southern Oregon has had a banner year, with more than 19 feet falling on the ski slopes at Mount Ashland.

 

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Pacific Crest Trail inspires day trekkers

A crisp, clear day welcomed our group to a trek along the Pacific Crest Trail southeast of Ashland.

The Pacific Crest Trail, within just three miles, presents views of Pilot Rock, top left, Mount McLoughlin, and Mount Shasta, bottom.

We were tempted to just keep going, but none of us had brought our sleeping bags!

 
 

 

Categories: Inspiration | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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