Loney Lake

Heading up towards Loney Lake

 Eight of us headed to Blue Lake in order to stay away from peaks and ridges where we would be more vulnerable to lightning strikes.  We originally thought we would hike to Beyers Lake, a round trip of 14 miles. As we hiked along the ditch, past the petroglyphs and stupendous view, we decided that due to the heat and mugginess of the weather, we would shorten the proposed hike and go to Loney Lake instead.  This would mean being off trail in steep, rocky terrain.  We had to climb up boulders, and sidle around rocks in order to avoid the dried up outlet and steep but dry waterfalls.  The going was tough and exhausting.  Most of the vegetation was the dry type with a good stand of scarlet gilia and a few Mountain Ash bushes with bright orange berries.



Loney Lake

Loney Lake was serene with it's yellow blooming water lilies, but it was muddy and not inviting for swimming.  Distant thunder and large clouds added to the muggy drama.

After lunch we decided it would be easier if we would descend by hiking in the dry outlet.  After a start that dead ended, we turned around and waded through the reeds and grasses.  That route stopped in a dense growth of willows.  Feeling trapped, we headed straight into them.  Bouncing and snapping, the willows appeared to be gaining on us.  After a few falls and clothing tears, we emerged to more reeds and we were worse for the wear.  We swished through them, only to discover we were actually on a peninsula.  There was no way we were going to attack those willows again, so we waded in the muddy lake even though it was up over our hiking boots.  Once sprung by the lake's grip, we continued down the outlet until we had to go back up on the ledgy rocks. 

After a well-deserved rest, we headed back to Blue Lake.  There, we found a group of campers taking apart an elaborate set-up after a month's camping trip.  They used a small skiff and a canoe on many trips to ferry their multitudinous belongs back to the dam. 

Next week we hope to be less ambitious, especially if the hot weather continues. We must have a swimming lake we can enjoy.  One of our members brought water shoes which we all thought was a good idea for next week.

People's devices recorded different mileage and elevation gain but it appears that we went about 9.5 miles with an 1100 ft. elevation gain.






Rest and snack in late afternoon breeze

Blue Lake

Akiko is in training - big pack