Three intrepid backpackers ventured into the Sky Lakes Wilderness area for a five-day journey into this pristine land of lakes in the Southern Oregon High Cascades. They enjoyed great weather, sweeping views, very few people, and only a few pesky mosquitoes. This wilderness has over 84 named lakes and a reputation for clouds of mosquitoes in the Spring and Summer months. It is relatively unscathed from wildfires and a great place to visit.
The backpackers included Sheryl McConnell (trail name “Snow White”), Ken Roley (leader) and Bill Carpenter (guest). A fourth member of the group, Renae Wentz suffered an injury just before leaving for the trip and was unable to attend.
A highlight of the trip was a pilgrimage to the Justice Waldo tree on the south end of Island Lake. The tree is located at what is believed to be the campsite of the Judge Waldo party of five men who visited the area and carved their names into the tree on September 13, 1888. The tree is located off an unmarked side trail, but not hard to find. As we traveled through the wilderness, it was hard to imagine the difficulties the Waldo party endured, bushwhacking their way, as we walked along, enjoying well graded and maintained trails.
John Waldo was a native of Salem, a graduate of Willamette University, an Oregon State Supreme Court Judge, and a State Representative. He spent most summers visiting the High Cascades and was instrumental in getting the Cascade Crest preserved for future generations. Bobbie Snead, a fellow Chemeketan, wrote an excellent book entitled “Judge Waldo, Oregon’s John Muir”, published in 2006.
Our happy travelers were treated with a Bald Eagle flyover during lunch at Deer Lake and saw numerous Mergansers on the lakes where we camped. We enjoyed watching a doe and her fawn and identifying cougar tracks along the trail.
A wonderful 5-dsy trip into the Sky Lakes Wilderness with some great adventure seekers. Who can ask for anything more than that!