Beaver Lake, High Uintas Wilderness- August 2019

This is an area that I have wanted to visit for years here in the Uintas. With fall rapidly approaching, I wanted one more deep adventure into the High Terrain before the nights grow long and the temperatures begin to get cold. We set out on Friday afternoon to set up a dispersed camp so we would be near the trailhead when we got up so we could head right in on trail. The drive in was pretty traffic free and we made good time to get in there. We found a nice spot with a river running in the back of camp and it was far enough off the road to not hear passing vehicles too loudly. We set up shop and settled in for the evening. The stars were bright, but the temps were chilly so we had a nice fire and enjoyed our evening under the stars. We eventually coaled out the fire and turned in.

We awoke to clear skies and much warmer temps. We situated the packs, had breakfast and tea and made our way up to the trailhead. We put on the packs and began our hike into Beaver Lake. The first section begins in a meadow, then makes its way to a small ridge through a very dry forest. The trail meanders up and down through what looked like an area that has begun to regrow after a forest fire. Saplings were growing everywhere in this area. I have never seen so many. It then drops you into the first of six water crossings on this trail. There is no water for the first two miles on trail so make sure you pack accordingly if you attempt this hike. At the two mile mark you will do a huge climb that is gut busting for sure. The trail gains elevation, then descends, only to climb again all the way in. At the five mile mark you will reach a junction with the North Side High Line Trail. This gives you your first view of this amazing place. This meadow is one of the largest I have seen in the Uintas. The trail traverses this meadow on the east side and then returns to the pines where it meanders to the Beaver Lake Junction. Just a quarter mile from this junction you have to cross a river to get to Beaver Lake. We found some logs to cross on, but it was tricky, and I suggest caution crossing this river. After some hair raising log crossing we made our way up to Beaver Lake. We found a nice camp site and got things set for the weekend. The wind was howling and it was a bit chilly so we put on the jackets and got a fire going for the evening. I was able to get a very nice Milky Way shot then we turned in to get some rest and to recharge.

Morning came with the same wind just blowing, so we got up and made breakfast, had some tea, then packed up the day packs to make our way up to Coffin Lake. We made our way up to the inlet to Beaver Lake and we found an old sheep herder trail that would fade in and out as we made the climb. There was a bit of bushwhacking as this area had a lot of deadfalls and is really overgrown. eventually we arrived at Coffin Lake. This is a beautiful lake set in an alpine cirque. The wind was blowing up here and spent some time fishing here. We wound our way around the back side of the lake and we fished for a while and I shot a time lapse. After a few hours we made our way back down to our camp. We were both pretty exhausted so we made lunch and just hung out for a bit. I decided to go fish the river in the meadow to see if my luck would improve and wowza! I landed about 17 fish in an hours time one cast right after another. I got a really nice spawning male Brook Trout and a fat female Brookie were the highlights of this fun time casting with the current and stripping it up stream. We then walked the river probably for two miles looking for more action. My friend Jared had never fly fished before and I set him up and he landed his first fish on a Fly Rod! I think he is hooked no pun intended! What a great way to spent Sunday afternoon!

We returned to camp in the evening and made dinner and got in the warm clothes and got our camp ready for nightfall. We had another amazing clear night with a really warm south breeze blowing. I went out for another Milky Way shot. We had a nice night by the fire just listening to some music and enjoying the fire and the stars. Both of us went to bed around midnight as we knew we had a long walk out on Monday. The wind blew all night and the temps dropped quite a bit. Warm in my bag I enjoyed some very nice sleep in the symphony of silence.

Monday morning came and we got up, had breakfast, packed up our camp, and said our goodbyes to Beaver Lake. We made our way down to the river, then out on the trail. It was much cooler on this day, and we had a very nice walk out. We really pushed it out of there doing 24 minute miles. 2 hours and 43 minutes later we were once again at my Jeep bringing to an end another glorious weekend in the High Uintas Wilderness! It was very nice to knock off a bucket list destination out there, and to see more of this mountain range that I so dearly love! Fall is right around the corner, so we are on the tail end of another season. There is still more backpacking to come before winter reclaims the high terrain. Enjoy the pics and videos! More adventures to come!

Teal Lake, Uinta Mountains- August 2019

After a really nice trip to the Pacific Northwest, I returned to the Uintas over the weekend. The forecast was good and there was a place that I had in mind that my friend Jared had never been to. I decided to do Teal Lake, but unlike the usual walk up to Cutthroat Lake then descending to Teal, I decided to test my navigation skills and attempt a off trail route into Teal Lake. I was using AllTrails while recording to navigate my way. After passing Jewel Lake, from the meadow, I followed a topo line pretty much as I remembered coming out of here last year. I almost made one wrong turn, but I could tell the elevation loss wasn't worth having to gain it all back to get to the lake. I redirected and walked us right into Teal Lake.

Teal Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake set in a small basin. We made our way into the spot I wanted and found it unoccupied. We quickly dropped the packs and got busy getting camp set for the weekend. The wind had a bite to it so once we were settled we bundled up. We kind of just lounged around and gathered some fire wood Friday evening. We made dinner then settled in for a very nice fire. I was able to set out a star trail on Friday night because the moon came up too quick once twilight had faded to get a good shot of the Milky Way. The moon light painted the scene and I was able to nab a really nice image. After a long day we both turned in for a good nights rest.

We awoke a bit later than normal on Saturday and both of us were just tired. We sat around most of the morning having coffee and eating breakfast. The wind on Saturday was really chilly, but there were no bugs! I fished most of the early afternoon but only caught one small little brookie. I probably missed 15 strikes but at least I landed a fish while out. I think both of us were really happy to just be there in such a beautiful place we just wanted to stop for a day and enjoy it! We spent a little time collecting our firewood for the night. Evening set in and we got a fire going and worked on some dinner. Night set in and I had a narrow window to get a Milky Way shot before the moon would wash it out. While out shooting there must have been some leftover meteors from the Perseids Meteor Shower that peaked on Wednesday. I had two of them streak through the shot! After that I settled in by the fire and enjoyed the warmth on this cold night. We both turned in early to get a really nice long sleep.

I woke Sunday morning to a squirrel going nuts in the tree above my tent. I had slept eight hours so it was time to rise anyways. I got up, grabbed my rod, and went fishing to let Jared sleep in over in his tent. I spent about 15 minutes at the first spot and ended up landing a 12" brookie. This was a fun fish. Missed a few more and moved around the lake. The sun was about to peak over the ridge so I moved spots. At my second crack at it I hooked into a nice one which ended up being a 14" Cutthroat. I returned to camp and had tea and breakfast. Jared got up, then we packed it up. We took the Cutthroat Lake route out of Teal because Jared had never seen that area in this basin. The hike out was warmer than the previous two days. We eventually ended up at the car with a cold beverage and some camp chairs looking up at Hayden Peak. Very nice return to the Uintas for another amazing weekend of fun out there. Enjoy the pics and videos! More adventures to come!

Drift Creek Falls, Siuslaw National Forest, Oregon- August 2019

Last week I made my annual trip to the Oregon Coast. This is usually my mid season break from the Utah heat, and to enjoy some family time on the coast. Thursday I made my way into the Coastal Range to hike the Drift Creek Falls Trail. This trail is located in the Siuslaw National Forest. The road to get there is paved all the way, but there are some narrow spots and blind corners to navigate. I recommend going at a slower speed and get ready to pull to one side if a car is coming. After the long but beautiful winding drive up and over the range I arrived at the trailhead. There is a $5 fee for day use here so bring a Lincoln with you to put in the envelope. This trail is downhill all the way in, and uphill all the way back. I headed into a much forest with pines, ferns, and lots of leaves of three right off the trail. Old mans beard covers most of the trees here. It really makes you feel like you are in another world hiking this trail.

The hike in is not strenuous at all. Its rather a nice walk which keeps descending into the drainage that Drift Creek flows in. Once you hit the bottom you cross a bridge and do a little uphill on your way to the bridge. The flora in here was wild, and very Squatchy! There is a split just over the bridge that does the north loop which adds one mile to your trip but I was on a time schedule with dinner reservations so I had to skip that this time. Supposedly it leads to a huge grove with Huckleberries and Blueberries and some really old growth pines. Next time for sure! As I made my way the forest began to open up and then the trail puts you right at the edge of the gorge that the falls is in. Here you have to cross a safe but intimidating suspension bridge that is over 100 ft off the ground. I have to admit the first time across got my heart racing. Then after I crossed read the trail map and it said that the bridges capacity was 650,000 lbs. Still thrilling to be over 100 feet up and a damn nice view!

Most people just hike to the bridge and turn around, but I was going to go all the way to the base of the falls to shoot some time lapse and slo mo videos. The bottom part of the trail is a bit slippery so wear some good traction footwear. It is crazy how high up that bridge looks when you are sitting at the base. I spent some time down here enjoying the sound of the falling water and just running the cameras and taking some pictures. For about 45 minutes I had the place to myself which was very nice. After a nice rest I packed it all up and headed back up the trail. The hike out was a good workout and for sure got the heart rate elevated and the legs a good push to keep them fresh for the second half of backpacking season. Even ran into one of the biggest banana slugs on the trail that I have ever seen! Almost as long as my foot!

It was a really nice hike in the Siuslaw National Forest. Upon returning the clouds and marine layer over the coast pulled away for the evening and I was able to get out in the bay and shoot a Star Trail over Lincoln City! I have been here so many times and I have never seen the night sky as clear as it was on this night! Incredible bonus on a day that was just full of fun from the beginning! Enjoy the pics and videos! I have returned to the Wasatch and should be getting back out in our mountains here very soon to finish the last half of this years backpacking season. More adventures to come!