Manila Discussion archive for:

  • 541 Tr. Fish Creek Mountain

    Hiked to the top yesterday.  Weatherman said at 7am: "rain all day, with snow at 4000'"

    It was sunny!  With occasional misty clouds dusting the tree tops with dripping fog!  Man I don't know about the weathermen any more, they can't even get the forecast right for the same day...

    Anyway it's a beautiful, historic hike with a reall wild feeling.  I don't think the season for the area will hold out much longer for hiking this year, but check it out when you get the time if you haven't already.  The route is very easy to follow and very rewarding.  Sweeping views from on top.

    Thanks to all who rescued this route from oblivion!

    541 Tr. Fish Creek Mountain
  • Re: 541 Tr. Fish Creek Mountain (#)
  • 11/11/07; 10:52:11 PM ¦ by Doug Firman

  • Robert,

    I hiked this trail a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it.  I especially liked the segment of ridgeline trail with dropoffs on both sides.  Very cool!  I'll have to get back there and do it again one of these days.

    Glad to hear you had a good day.  I'm with you on these weather guys!  They've been wrong so often lately.

  • Re: 541 Tr. Fish Creek Mountain (#)
  • 11/12/07; 6:06:22 PM ¦ by Rob Williams
  • That is one of my favorite trails.  I've done it three times now, and really enjoy it.  I especially like the "old" roads that give you the feeling of exploring lost territory.  The route is easy to follow if you pay attention, there are just a couple of rough spots in the beginning.

    I'm VERY grateful for those who rescued this trail!  It is definitely on my short list!

    Rob

    P.S. - I never know when to believe the weatherman.  I thought it was supposed to rain all weekend! 
    • Re: 541 Tr. Fish Creek Mountain (#)
    • 11/14/07; 10:21:32 PM ¦ by Tom Kloster
    • Somewhere around here I've got a couple copies of the Lowe's original "100 Oregon Hiking Trails" and my recollection is that it includes Fish Creek Mountain.

      Trivia bit: one of my copies of this book was purchased by my dad in the late 1960s, and features a petrified mosquito squashed on the Serene Lake page, a graphic reminder of my very first backpack, and the very long night at the lake in an old canvas pup tent with little flap ties that were like a neon sign inviting the bugs to come in and drain my arteries... to add insult to injury, I had a rather rude rejection of my many toasted marshmallows at about 1 AM... I vaguely recall my brother throwing me out of the tent into a huckleberry bush, where alternately barfed and swatted mosquitos. A wonderful introduction to the great outdoors! :-) BTW, in those days, I distinctly recall CCC-style picnic tables along the west side of Serene Lake. Might even have a photo somewhere in the family archives.

      Tom
      • Re: 541 Tr. Fish Creek Mountain (#)
      • 11/15/07; 7:19:47 AM ¦ by Rob Williams
      • The copy of "100 Oregon Hiking Trails" I have includes Fish Creek Mountain, and the picture they have shows a piece of the old lookout in it, which is long gone.

        I camped at Serene Lake about 3 years ago, and there was 1 of those CCC style picnic tables still there (and in pretty good condition-they are STOUT!).  Serene Lake can be REALLY buggy in early summer.  We went in June, and went to cache meadow for the day, and it was BLACK with mosquitoes.  At least we had bug repellent and head nets, as well as well enclosed tents.

        With an introduction like that to hiking/backpacking, it is amazing you did it again!

        Rob
        • Re: 541 Tr. Fish Creek Mountain (#)
        • 11/15/07; 6:38:23 PM ¦ by Tom Kloster
        • Well, the only missing ingredient was a steady drizzle - THEN it would have been a perfect introduction to backpacking in Oregon! I haven't been to Serene Lake for years. For some reason, I keep missing that loop during bug-free periods, or get drawn to nearby destinations instead. Paul's photos of the Rock Lakes has me penciling it in for next Fall though!

          Tom