Viewpoint Mike

We cancelled our previously scheduled hikes up Viewpoint Mike because of wet weather and low clouds in January and February. The third time proved to be the charm as Monday we had clear skies and afternoon temps in the 60s.

Ten hikers gathered near the TH at just past 10 AM with calm winds and temps in the 40s. After introducing everyone to our two new hikers, Kate and Boyce, we started up the trail with lots of switchbacks and most of the 1,200′ gain until we reached the viewpoint some 2.3 miles into the hike. We had a clear view down on Lost Creek Lake and William Jess Dam, and some 50 miles to the east we could see Union Peak by Crater Lake and Mt. Thielsen by Diamond Lake.

Our group had a good aerobic workout with the climb and took a break for water and the group shot at the viewpoint wall. Then we took the short climb up into the forest and a walk out to the canyon cliff and our lunch spot in the sun. We had a leisurely lunch as we watched Jerry and Randy hike a semi-circle around the cliff and down into the Burrow Pit to hike up the volcanic plug across the canyon to the northeast.

After watching our friend’s supreme hiking ability up the steep back of the plug, we turned to head back down 3.5 miles to parking. Along the way, we caught up with this week’s edition of early blooming flowers: Snow Queen, Goldfields, Buttercup and Manzanita blossoms (looking just like little apples).

As we got back to parking we wondered where our friends were only to look up to see Jerry and Randy coming down the trail.

We all agreed in the beautiful early Spring weather to make our stop at Phil’s in Shady Cove for ice cream.

Hike Leader: Rich Stickle

Photos By: Jerry, Patricia, Randy