[pika]

I continued my exploration of Eastern WA with the Chelan Lakeshore Trail. I've heard there are rattlesnakes over there, and now I know it's true, having almost stepped on one! Snakes freak me out. Aside from the reptilian encounter, it was a fantastic hike. Although, a two-day weekend makes it a bit quick. I think early April would've been the ideal time to catch the wildflowers at their peak, but they were still nice. Many of the pines are scorched from forest fires, but I found that the charred bark amidst the soft green grasses made for strikingly beautiful contrast. I'll definitely be back to Stehekin later in the summer to try some of the higher trails, but, for now, this one at low elevation was perfect. A more detailed trip report and more photos can be found at: http://pbehmer.com/epics/20040501

[Alan Bauer]

Excellent photo of the rattlesnake on your site Pika! Was that "about two miles in" near a main creek crossing area? While I have never hiked the lakeshore trail myself yet I know many who have and each has seen up to six rattlesnakes in a short 1/2 mile stretch "a few miles up" from the start of the hike. So I'm guessing your encounter is very consistant with the word from eveyrone else I know who has been up there. A WTA week long work party was in that area last year---they were on their guard a bit as they worked, that I know Thanks for sharing your long trips.

[Backpacker Joe]

Gotta love that 185 on floats. I followed the wrong carrier path. Shoulda been flyin. TB

[pika]

Alan, Judging from the timestamps on my photos, I think the rattlesnake would've been close to 4 miles in. What I would really like is a digital camera with a built-in GPS. That way I would know exactly where every shot was taken. Maybe someday...

[kleet]