After all of Becky's wonderful research about Waldo Lake, we were not able to camp and paddle there because the access road was still snowed in. Instead, four of us, Sondra, Charlotte, Anne and I (Mary) camped at Star City Creek Campground on McCloud Lake. Truly, God gave us a packaged deal on this trip - a gorgeous, private campsite; beautiful, clear turquoise water; creeks, a river and an island to explore; fish jumping right outside our tent door; wildlife (ducks and their ducklings, eagles and deer); hiking one of the most beautiful trails in Northern CA. And, as if that wasn't enough, He gave us the gift of each other with such abundant love and grace; care, concern and cooperation; joking and laughing; camaraderie and solidarity; that none of us doubted that we were truly loved and blessed! Thank you, Lord
Some pictures have been uploaded to the photo album with more to follow. Even though the campground was very primative (no toilets, tables or tap water) we had all of the comforts we needed.
One thing we still want to accomplish is a paddle trip up McCloud River to Wyntoon , the Hearst Estate with its various castles. We were told by a man at the campground that the lake is currently being filled for the 4th of July weekend which backs the water up in the river making it navigable with kayaks. We are planning to return to the area on July 8th to attempt the approximate 7.5 mile RT paddle trip up to Wyntoon.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Waldo Lake-Part 4
Bugs 'n Insects!
Waldo Lake is one of many high elevation lake areas well known for its mosquitoe population and the many smaller lakes in the surrounding wilderness make this especially true for the early spring summer months. There is a small window before they burst on the scene, when it is still cool, to camp as long as you aren't shoveling snow aside! The mosquito population starts dropping late July and by late August to September, and even early October before the snows begin again are the best for avoiding the clouds of little whiners.
Emphasized note: If you plan on hiking into the wilderness, be prepared for increased mosquitoe populations especially near the small lake areas.
See you at the Lake!
Waldo Lake is one of many high elevation lake areas well known for its mosquitoe population and the many smaller lakes in the surrounding wilderness make this especially true for the early spring summer months. There is a small window before they burst on the scene, when it is still cool, to camp as long as you aren't shoveling snow aside! The mosquito population starts dropping late July and by late August to September, and even early October before the snows begin again are the best for avoiding the clouds of little whiners.
Emphasized note: If you plan on hiking into the wilderness, be prepared for increased mosquitoe populations especially near the small lake areas.
See you at the Lake!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Waldo Lake-Part 3
Points Of Interest
One of the things that always held my curiosity and eventually drove me to an across the lake canoe trip, is a structure that looks like a railroad support. It is in fact the Klovdahl Dam, or Klovdahl Tunnel. Originally purposed to provide irrigation water to the valley below, it never took off and is now sealed. There is an information board near the structure that will tell you more.
The trail that leads around Waldo Lake is 22 miles in length with many off-running trails into the Waldo Lake Wilderness. The Pacific Crest Trail passes to the East of Waldo Lake and the nearest trailhead is off the Waldo Lake road at Charlton Lake.
There are three campgrounds on the eastern shore with 205 campsites with boat ramps at each, Harrelson Horse camp, and of course numerous boat-in spots on the western shore which we will find.
On August 23, 1996, we were in the area and saw the forest fire at Waldo Lake. Today, the burn is still in the recovery stages and can be seen from the Islet Campground boat ramp. Camping there is not recommended due to the fragile environment and dead trees that can fall. Also, if hiking through the area, exposed roots and deep holes may dot the trails and throughout the burned area.
An excellent addition to our blog is the calendar created by Mary just to right of the top post. Check it out!
Next week: "Readiness Pointers"
One of the things that always held my curiosity and eventually drove me to an across the lake canoe trip, is a structure that looks like a railroad support. It is in fact the Klovdahl Dam, or Klovdahl Tunnel. Originally purposed to provide irrigation water to the valley below, it never took off and is now sealed. There is an information board near the structure that will tell you more.
The trail that leads around Waldo Lake is 22 miles in length with many off-running trails into the Waldo Lake Wilderness. The Pacific Crest Trail passes to the East of Waldo Lake and the nearest trailhead is off the Waldo Lake road at Charlton Lake.
There are three campgrounds on the eastern shore with 205 campsites with boat ramps at each, Harrelson Horse camp, and of course numerous boat-in spots on the western shore which we will find.
On August 23, 1996, we were in the area and saw the forest fire at Waldo Lake. Today, the burn is still in the recovery stages and can be seen from the Islet Campground boat ramp. Camping there is not recommended due to the fragile environment and dead trees that can fall. Also, if hiking through the area, exposed roots and deep holes may dot the trails and throughout the burned area.
An excellent addition to our blog is the calendar created by Mary just to right of the top post. Check it out!
Next week: "Readiness Pointers"
Friday, June 4, 2010
Waldo Lake-Part 2
Geology
This area is in the midst of intense volcanic and glacier events. Through the alternating eruptions and glacial erosions the landscape is dotted with lake basins and scattered volcanic peaks. Mt. Mazama, now known as Crater Lake, spewed airborne pumice into the area which now forms Waldo Lakes sandy beaches.
Waldo Lake is one of Oregon's largest natural lakes at an elevation of 5,414 feet with 9.8 square miles of water with a maximum depth of 427 feet. It is one of the purest lakes in the world due to the absense of permenant inlets to bring nutrients into the lake for plant growth. Bottom dwelling plants, aquatic insects, amphibians and fish live in Waldo Lake. On a nice day one could see to depths of over 120 feet through the cold blue water, and when the sun is behind you, your shadow follows your own watery course from below.
Next: Points of Interest
This area is in the midst of intense volcanic and glacier events. Through the alternating eruptions and glacial erosions the landscape is dotted with lake basins and scattered volcanic peaks. Mt. Mazama, now known as Crater Lake, spewed airborne pumice into the area which now forms Waldo Lakes sandy beaches.
Waldo Lake is one of Oregon's largest natural lakes at an elevation of 5,414 feet with 9.8 square miles of water with a maximum depth of 427 feet. It is one of the purest lakes in the world due to the absense of permenant inlets to bring nutrients into the lake for plant growth. Bottom dwelling plants, aquatic insects, amphibians and fish live in Waldo Lake. On a nice day one could see to depths of over 120 feet through the cold blue water, and when the sun is behind you, your shadow follows your own watery course from below.
Next: Points of Interest
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