A week before Spring Break we were out scouting to see which roads were open and which closed in the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. We wanted to get in there for a backpacking trip the next week, as the younger daughter was available to join my wife and I.

We first checked out a small round lake in an old volcano. My wife and I had been here last year for an overnighter and loved it. Daughter #2 loved it also, so the trip for Spring break was set. There are some impressive vistas over the lake to Mt. Hood as you walk in over the edge of the caldera cone. The lake itself is quiet and has several secluded camp sites around it, mostly on the North side.

the view from above, before switchbacking in behind the cone.Mt Hood would be visible in the middle if not for the mist.

Another view over the edge of the cone

Looking up at the highest part of the cone

Looking down toward the lake from the switchback

The creek that runs past the campsite from a spring, into the lake

The lake

The youngling does not want to leave

The youngling is ok now

Looking back down as we leave

 Next stop was another small lake in the same area. The road is pretty rough out there, but nothing a little care and high clearance can't overcome. It is quite lovely this time of year, wet and windy and also quiet. The frogs are not out yet, and there were not many birds in the tall grasses at the edge of the lake.

My best friend at a camp site

An elaborate fireplace

Looking down at the lake from a camp site

In the forest near the lake

Squirrels have eaten the pine nuts like corn on the cob

What a lovely bunch of mushrooms