Sunday, October 21, 2012

The Seasons of Mt. Jefferson Forest

For both health and photography reasons, I've been making fairly regular hikes this summer into Lake Pamelia, situated in the shadow of Oregon's Mt. Jefferson.   I made the last trip of the year on Friday, 19th with my son.  (Putting a state government furlough day to good use.)  It was wet, cold, and miserable at times, but it was also a rewarding experience nonetheless.  Putting aside the disquiet of briefly losing the trail a couple times on the way back because of the steady rainfall eroding parts of it away and causing the trail to either disappear altogether or lead us into gurgling stream beds, it was a wonderful opportunity to see the changing seasons work their wonders on this isolated wood.  (We also witnessed a magnificent bald eagle circling the lake's south side on Friday.)  

 I thought it might be enjoyable to see several photos below taken since summer, inviting the viewer to really see the changes that take place here.  From the rhododendrons gracing the water's edge in spring to the red and golden leaves shrouded in mountain mist in the fall, every day in the majesty of Oregon's mountains is a day lived indeed.


Lake Pamelia on June 1st.


Waterfall on lake's eastern side.



The forest is bathed in the light of July.


Orange bellied Taricha granulosa




Waterfall on Lake Pamelia's eastern side on August 11th.
Mt. Jefferson reflected in Hank's Lake (several miles from Pamelia).

Looking east from west side of Hank's Lake.




The waterfall as viewed on October 19th.



Fall colors under a blanket of mist and light rain. 



  * These photographs are the sole property of Karl Erickson.  Please contact me for purchasing information.
Update: I share this just for the fun of it.  It's not my usual area of interest...but I do like mysteries.  The day after the last two photos above were taken, check out this report.
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2 comments:

  1. JessicaJuly 19, 2013 at 8:32 AM

    looking for the best time to head to Mt Jefferson for the first time -- maybe avoid the summer crowd (if there is one?) but visit while it's still nice. This is helpful. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Childrens WriterJuly 19, 2013 at 9:14 PM

    I'm glad it was helpful! The trailhead can be packed with cars, and you still may not bump into anyone on the main trail for an hour, or more. The Forest Service doesn't really permit crowds in that area. It's a great place to come by. If you decide to check out the trail to Grizzly Peak, be careful. Just came back from there last weekend, and it seems to be disintegrating, becoming very narrow with a potential injury if you fell off the side of the trail. :( Hope to unveil an e-book of photography from this area later in the year. Have fun!

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