Forum Index > Trip Reports > Big Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
 Reply to topic
Previous :: Next Topic
Author Message
Nancyann
Member
Member


Joined: 28 Jul 2013
Posts: 2314 | TRs | Pics
Location: Sultan Basin
Nancyann
Member
PostSat Jun 24, 2017 5:06 pm 
This is one I have been wanting to do ever since my hiking partner told me enticing stories about fishing for giant trout while listening to the call of loons. He did mention something about a problem with fire-related blowdowns between Middle and Big Hidden Lake,but I was undeterred, being an "expert" on west slope blowdown travel wink.gif We left from the Billy Goat trailhead Monday afternoon and enjoyed great views on the way up to Eightmile Pass. There was still snow blocking the road about a quarter mile before the trailhead, so we parked and walked the rest of the way.
Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Views from Lucky Pass, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Views from Lucky Pass, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Views from Lucky Pass, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Views from Lucky Pass, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Views from Lucky Pass, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Views from Lucky Pass, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Views from Lucky Pass, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Views from Lucky Pass, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
After crossing Drake Creek on a footbridge, we headed up Lucky Pass, which seemed to go on forever. My backpack weighed a little under thirty pounds, so I was moving a little slow. However, right before dark, about a mile past Lucky Pass, we set up camp on a nice rock outcropping with great views down the Lost River Gorge and across to Three Pinnacles, Lost Peak and Many Trails Peak. The next morning a strong breeze sent clouds scudding across the peaks, creating interesting patterns.
Sunset near Lucky Pass, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Sunset near Lucky Pass, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Room with a view, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake, 6/19/17 to 6/22/17
Room with a view, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake, 6/19/17 to 6/22/17
Looking towards Three Pinnacles, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Looking towards Three Pinnacles, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Looking towards Three Pinnacles, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Looking towards Three Pinnacles, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Looking towards Three Pinnacles, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Looking towards Three Pinnacles, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Looking towards Three Pinnacles, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Looking towards Three Pinnacles, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Looking towards Lost Peak, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19/17 to 6/22/17
Looking towards Lost Peak, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19/17 to 6/22/17
Many Trails Peak above the Lost Creek Gorge, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19/17
Many Trails Peak above the Lost Creek Gorge, Billy Goat to Big Hidden Lake 6/19/17
Our goal for the day was Big Hidden Lake, about ten miles away. We passed through beautiful country filled with wildflowers and fabulous views, crossing Diamond Creek on a footbridge and Deception Creek by a simple ford.
View down the Lost Creek Gorge from the trail to Cougar and Hidden a Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
View down the Lost Creek Gorge from the trail to Cougar and Hidden a Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Wildflowers along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19/17
Wildflowers along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19/17
Wildflowers along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19/17
Wildflowers along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19/17
Wildflowers along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19/17
Wildflowers along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19/17
Wildflowers along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19/17
Wildflowers along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19/17
Wildflowers along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19/17
Wildflowers along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19/17
Wildflowers along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19/17
Wildflowers along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19/17
Diamond Creek, trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Diamond Creek, trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Diamond Creek, trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Diamond Creek, trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
View towards the Lost Creek headwaters, Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
View towards the Lost Creek headwaters, Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
At Deception Creek, we rested in a lovely glen surrounded by aspens, their leaves quaking in the breeze. This was a real treat for me, being a west slope girl!
Aspen Glenn at Deception Creek, trail  Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Aspen Glenn at Deception Creek, trail Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
We enjoyed more aspens and wildflowers in the sun while working our way up to Cougar Lake, just below the Hidden Lakes. We were treated to the sight of a giant beaver swimming in Lost Creek in a beautiful area of beaver ponds and meadows, just below Cougar Lake.
Looking back at the way we came, Billy Goat to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Looking back at the way we came, Billy Goat to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Looking back at the way we came, Billy Goat to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Looking back at the way we came, Billy Goat to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Calypso Fairyslipper Orchid along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Calypso Fairyslipper Orchid along the trail to Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Lost River entering the gorge below Cougar Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Lost River entering the gorge below Cougar Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Lost River entering the gorge below Cougar Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Lost River entering the gorge below Cougar Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Beaver ponds below Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Beaver ponds below Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Beaver ponds below Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Beaver ponds below Cougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
We arrived at Cougar Lake in the late afternoon and enjoyed watching the wind blow shimmering currents across the gorgeous blue-green lake. I was so excited that we were getting close to the Hidden Lakes, so we just stopped for a brief snack before proceeding up the trail.
Cougar Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Cougar Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Larch at Cougar Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Larch at Cougar Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
On the trail to Hidden Lakes, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
On the trail to Hidden Lakes, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Cougar Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Cougar Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Cougar Lake, 6/19 to 6/22/17
Cougar Lake, 6/19 to 6/22/17
Cougar Lake, 6/19 to 6/22/17
Cougar Lake, 6/19 to 6/22/17
Cougar Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Cougar Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
We were entering into a large burn area now, from 2006, but there were wildflowers, shrubs and baby trees growing profusely amongst the charred trees. Every once in a while, we would hear a tree come down in the stiff breeze, fortunately just on the ridge higher up. We encountered a few more blowdowns on the trail, but nothing impassable. As we approached First Hidden Lake, we enjoyed looking down at the Lost River as it flowed through more beautiful meadows.
On the trail to Hidden Lakes, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
On the trail to Hidden Lakes, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
The burn around First Hidden Lake was quite extensive, all the way down to the shoreline in some places.
First Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
First Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
First Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
First Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
First Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
First Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
We took a break at the Forest Service cabins, built in 1954, between First and Middle Hidden Lakes. The cabins were spared from the fires, supposedly by a sprinkler system drawing water from Middle Hidden Lake.
Forest Service Guard Station, Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Forest Service Guard Station, Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Columbine near Hidden Lakes Guard Station 6/19/17
Columbine near Hidden Lakes Guard Station 6/19/17
We were tired, but SO close to our final destination, the fabled Big Hidden Lake, that we pushed on to Middle Hidden, climbing over more and more downed trees.
Middle Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Middle Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Middle Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Middle Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Middle Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Middle Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
After leaving Middle Hidden Lake, things went a little downhill..fortunately, it was only about 6pm, so we had several hours of daylight left to go another mile and a half to Big Hidden. But now, in addition to multiple blowdowns, the trail suddenly became a waterway coursing through heavy brush. Thankfully, my hiking partner had waterproof boots and I had my trusty Chacos, so I just took off my socks, and went for a nice wade in cool water!
Trail to Big Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trail to Big Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trail to Big Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trail to Big Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trail to Big Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trail to Big Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trail to Big Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trail to Big Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
We were feeling pretty good about getting through that little challenge until we saw what we had ahead of us. The mother of all blowdowns through fire-ravaged trees stood between us and the lake. eek.gif
Trail to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trail to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trail to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trail to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trail to Big Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trail to Big Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Ironically, a new sign had been put in place for the Tatoosh Buttes Trail leading up the ridge from Big Hidden Lake. confused.gif
Trail to Tatoosh Buttes along the way to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trail to Tatoosh Buttes along the way to Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
We were so close to our final destination, yet so far, we just for a second thought about turning around..until I heard the loons! They were calling from Big Hidden Lake, beckoning us to come further..so we did, and finally we reached the lake, only to discover that trail along the lake was covered by blowdown after blowdown, blocking our path to the campsite on a little peninsula.
Trail to Big Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trail to Big Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
Big Hidden Lake, our final destination, 6/19 to 6/22/17
Big Hidden Lake, our final destination, 6/19 to 6/22/17
However, there was no turning back now, so we dragged our exhausted carcasses over the last of the obstacles, and finally we prevailed!
Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Morning at Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Morning at Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
We set up camp in a beautiful spot near the lake, and then my hiking partner walked down to the shore with his fishing pole and said " I bet I catch a fish on the first cast", and he did! Then the loons began calling again, and all our travails seemed to fade away. The next morning, we had the most delicious trout ever, and watched a magnificent male loon swim by with his mate and a little tiny baby loon. Our day was off to a perfect start!
Morning at Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Morning at Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trout for breakfast, Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trout for breakfast, Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trout for breakfast, Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Trout for breakfast, Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
A family of loons, Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
A family of loons, Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
A family of loons, Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
A family of loons, Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Daisy enjoying leftovers at Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Daisy enjoying leftovers at Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Morning at Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Morning at Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Morning at Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Morning at Big Hidden Lake 6/19 to 6/22/17
Sadly, since it is almost 18 miles one way up to Big Hidden Lake, we knew we couldn't linger for very long in this very special place, so after breakfast, we packed up and trudged off, climbing over, under, and around the very same downed trees we had battled the day before. However, it was an absolutely perfect day for hiking, a light breeze kept us cool in the sun, and our packs were much lighter, so the trip back went well. We were hoping to camp at the same spot we stayed at the first night, but it was occupied by a large group on a 30 day outing. They were a friendly bunch, and moved their food cache, which was protected by an electric fence, so we could have a place to pitch our tent. up.gif Thursday morning we packed up one last time, and enjoyed a lovely day hiking out in perfect weather. We had a fun visit at Drake Creek with a four person trail crew who were hoping to make it all the way up to Big Hidden Lake and back in four days. We filled them in on what to expect, and then continued on out to the trailhead. My hiking partner had one final treat when a cinnamon black bear ran down the trail right in front of him at Eightmile Pass, the frosting on the cake for a perfect trip!
Forest Service trail crew taking a break at Drake Creek before heading up tonCougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Forest Service trail crew taking a break at Drake Creek before heading up tonCougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Forest Service trail crew taking a break at Drake Creek before heading up tonCougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Forest Service trail crew taking a break at Drake Creek before heading up tonCougar and Hidden Lakes 6/19 to 6/22/17
Heading home down Eightmile Pass 6/22/17
Heading home down Eightmile Pass 6/22/17

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
RichP
Member
Member


Joined: 13 Jul 2006
Posts: 5628 | TRs | Pics
Location: here
RichP
Member
PostSat Jun 24, 2017 5:33 pm 
Great trip. The Pasayten can be addictive. biggrin.gif

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
wildernessed
viewbagger



Joined: 31 Oct 2004
Posts: 9275 | TRs | Pics
Location: Wenatchee
wildernessed
viewbagger
PostSat Jun 24, 2017 6:47 pm 
up.gif Nice pics and beta sounds a little messy back in there still. Did anyone say anything about the Drake Creek Trail between Eightmile and Billy Goat ? Stopped by snow before the TH. eek.gif Late start.

Living in the Anthropocene
Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
HermitThrush
Member
Member


Joined: 14 Jan 2016
Posts: 384 | TRs | Pics
Location: Brainerd Lakes Area, MN
HermitThrush
Member
PostSat Jun 24, 2017 7:14 pm 
I miss northern Minnesota and the loons up there. Sounds like I have a new destination to check out. Were the loons only in Big Hidden or were they in any of the others?

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
Nancyann
Member
Member


Joined: 28 Jul 2013
Posts: 2314 | TRs | Pics
Location: Sultan Basin
Nancyann
Member
PostSat Jun 24, 2017 7:24 pm 
wildernessed, we only saw one other hiker other than the outdoor ed group, who didn't know anything. He had just hiked up the same way we did and spent the night near the guard station. The trail crew was only going to work on the Cougar and Hidden Lakes section for four days and then go to Robinson Creek. LOL, late start it was, that's what happens when we come all the way over from the west side. biggrin.gif Yes, Rich, the Pasayten can be addicting, we're already planning another trip over there. smile.gif

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
Nancyann
Member
Member


Joined: 28 Jul 2013
Posts: 2314 | TRs | Pics
Location: Sultan Basin
Nancyann
Member
PostSat Jun 24, 2017 7:25 pm 
HermitThrush, we had to go all the way to Big Hidden to hear those loons, but it was worth it!

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
Roly Poly
Member
Member


Joined: 02 Jan 2013
Posts: 711 | TRs | Pics
Roly Poly
Member
PostSun Jun 25, 2017 5:06 am 
Looks fabulous! Does your "hiking friend" have a name? wub.gif wink.gif

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
Distel32
Member
Member


Joined: 03 Jun 2014
Posts: 961 | TRs | Pics
Location: Edmonds, WA
Distel32
Member
PostSun Jun 25, 2017 5:31 am 
up.gif

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
Brushbuffalo
Member
Member


Joined: 17 Sep 2015
Posts: 1887 | TRs | Pics
Location: there earlier, here now, somewhere later... Bellingham in between
Brushbuffalo
Member
PostSun Jun 25, 2017 6:22 am 
What a great hike! Regarding the physical rigor and mental gumption required to deal with all that deadfall: "That which is too easily attained is too lightly esteemed."

Passing rocks and trees like they were standing still
Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
Randito
Snarky Member



Joined: 27 Jul 2008
Posts: 9495 | TRs | Pics
Location: Bellevue at the moment.
Randito
Snarky Member
PostSun Jun 25, 2017 6:39 am 
HermitThrush wrote:
I miss northern Minnesota and the loons up there. Sounds like I have a new destination to check out. Were the loons only in Big Hidden or were they in any of the others?
FWIW: On a canoe trip on Murtle Lake near Blue River, BC we enjoyed a lot of exquisite Loon action. The Bowron lakes canoe circuit also gets lots of Loon action. Moose viewing also at both location. Industrial grade mosquitoes, but if you are familiar with Minnesota camping, I would guess you know how to gird yourself against mosquitoes.

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
raising3hikers
Member
Member


Joined: 21 Sep 2007
Posts: 2343 | TRs | Pics
Location: Edmonds, Wa
raising3hikers
Member
PostSun Jun 25, 2017 8:27 am 
up.gif looks like a nice breakfast. thanks for giving everyone a conditions update for the area

Eric Eames
Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
Nancyann
Member
Member


Joined: 28 Jul 2013
Posts: 2314 | TRs | Pics
Location: Sultan Basin
Nancyann
Member
PostSun Jun 25, 2017 11:06 am 
r3h, those trout had a particularly delicious flavor. I was told they taste extra good because they feed on fresh water shrimp that were stocked in the lake years ago. RolyPoly, my hiking partner works in the public sector, so his name is "hiking partner" lol.gif

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
Chico
Member
Member


Joined: 30 Nov 2012
Posts: 2500 | TRs | Pics
Location: Lacey
Chico
Member
PostSun Jun 25, 2017 9:20 pm 
HermitThrush wrote:
I miss northern Minnesota and the loons up there. Sounds like I have a new destination to check out.
Loons can be found on other Eastside lakes! Some don't require a hike in either.

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
dannya
Member
Member


Joined: 02 Jan 2016
Posts: 1 | TRs | Pics
dannya
Member
PostSun Jun 25, 2017 9:57 pm 
Love the Chacos in the creek!

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
Nancyann
Member
Member


Joined: 28 Jul 2013
Posts: 2314 | TRs | Pics
Location: Sultan Basin
Nancyann
Member
PostMon Jun 26, 2017 5:43 am 
dannya wrote: "Love the Chacos in the creek!" Thanks, dannya, nice to see a post from you! I started the trip wearing my old Merrells, but by the time we reached the top of Lucky Pass, I had a sore spot, so we put them in a bag and left them behind some bushes. I pulled my Chacos out of my backpack and wore them for the next three days without a problem. smile.gif We picked them up on the way back, with only a few chew spots from some little critter.

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
   All times are GMT - 8 Hours
 Reply to topic
Forum Index > Trip Reports > Big Hidden Lake, Pasayten Wilderness 6/19 to 6/22/17
  Happy Birthday noahk!
Jump to:   
Search this topic:

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum