Applegate Lake

We had a an enthusiastic group for the Applegate Lake hike and that was partly due to perfect hiking weather. Four new hikers swelled our ranks and we might need to use a sweep car in future to make sure everyone gets to the trailhead. The fall colors were beautiful but the lake was very low with the water having been let out due to concern the recent storms would continue.

We crossed the dam and hiked along the Payette Trail 2.8 miles to the best lunch spot on the lake (the second one with no tables). After lunch we did another mile for extra credit then returned along the lake, climbing 400 feet to the parking at the end. A new sign has been erected to mark where you turn right and up the hill but the lead hikers missed it and earned another 1/2 mile in extra credit.

Boom Town in Jacksonville took good care of us as usual as I announced 16 were arriving and the tables were put together before I knew it, with fries and onion rings on the way. We all had a good libation with lots of chatter about Greece, Belgium, France, Holland, Iceland, Spain, the Dolomites, Peru and all the other places Monday hikers got to recently. Altogether a great day.

Hike Leader: Unknown

Photos By: John, Ron