On June 10th, nine Chemeketans began a backpacking trip into the Badger Creek Wilderness, located on the southeast shoulder of Mt. Hood. The site was chosen because of its location in a rain shadow that is reported to get less snow than other areas around Mt. Hood. The group started hiking along beautiful Badger Creek, on a trail that gently increases in elevation and where the tree canopy changes from oak to pine to a mix of fir as the elevation increases. The weather was sunny and hot the first day becoming more moderate at the higher elevation and stayed nice the entire trip.
Only a short time from leaving the trailhead, a rattlesnake was spotted lounging along the side of the trail startling the lead hiker. The snake quickly moved on, following its own path up the hill so fast that those lagging back in the group never spotted it. At least we knew the reports on the web regarding the presence of rattlesnakes in the area were accurate.
The first couple of miles of this popular trail were cleared, but after that we crossed around, over and under multiple trees (estimated over 100) throughout the trip. The downed trees were annoying but came with the early season hike since the snow had only recently retreated to a higher elevation. The trail is reportedly maintained and logged out each year by the horse group, Oregon Equestrian Trails (OET).
On the second day the group arrived at Badger Lake, a total of 12 miles from the trailhead. This beautiful lake is a popular location during the summer months and is the only wilderness lake in Oregon that you can drive to on a “jeep trail”. The primitive campground was nearly empty for our stay, and we were welcomed with high winds that made it a challenge to pitch our tents.
The next day we grabbed our day packs and enjoyed another sunny day hiking up a ridgeline to Gumjuwac Saddle, at an elevation of approximately 5,200 feet. Five different trails come together at this location and we wondered how it earned this odd name. According to the book, Oregon Geographic Names, “The name is not of Indian origin but a phonetic or illiterate rendition of Gum Shoe Jack, an early day sheepherder with an affinity for rubber boots, who resided nearby.” After negotiating several snow drifts at the higher elevation and having lunch at the saddle we proceeded along the crest of the ridge with the goal of finding a grand view of Mt. Hood. The trail, once again, did not disappoint. We completed the final leg of the nine-mile loop via Gumjuwac Creek back to camp, tired but happy hikers.
The final two days were spent hiking out to the trailhead where we left our cars, back through all those trees across the trail. Our final night concluded with a discussion around the campfire about our favorite backpacking and hiking locations. A five-day backpacking trip of approximately 33 miles, with a great group of Chemeketans having a good time doing what they do best, hiking and enjoying a great Oregon wilderness.
Participants: David Anderson, Katy Dockter, Marie Flores, Sue Helback, Karyn Pressel, Ashley Sorg, Ken Roley (Leader), Arnaud Verstuyf, Laurie Walcott.
Chemeketans enjoying a campfire on their final night in the Badger Creek Wilderness. (L to R) Arnaud Verstuyf, Katy Dockter, Ken Roley (Leader), Karyn Pressel, Sue Helback, David Anderson, Laurie Walcott, Ashley Sorg, Marie Flores
Crossing the creek to the campground. (Upper to Lower) Arnaud Verstuyf, Karyn Pressel, David Anderson.
A grand view of Mt. Hood. Back Row (L to R) Sue Helback, David Anderson, Ken Roley (Leader), Laurie Wolcott. Front Row (L to R) Ashley Sorg, Katy Docktor, Karyn Pressel, Marie Flores
Laurie Walcott crossing over one of many trees across the trail.