Green Lake Hike 9-5-06

Sometimes it is fitting to do something out of the ordinary. For me that was taking a hike with my wife Jan this past Tues. At my age (57), it should probably be something I consider on a more regular basis. My calf muscles will tell you I over did it a bit and the almost 10 miles we hiked was a little more than I needed that day.

These acts of consideration for your "better half" can often soften the blow later when announcing an impromptu fishing trip. I call it the marital version of "lets make a deal." I know this sounds mercenary but the realities are that we often compromise in marriage. That is if we really want to stay married. Actually, I do enjoy getting out in nature without a fishing pole sometimes.

Jan had checked out this hike from friends that had made the trek before us. This is a very popular hike up by Sparks Lake. The trailhead starts right across the street from the view point of the big meadow along side Century Drive. With Mt. Bachelor to the south of us the trail proceeds up a draw between South Sister and Broken Top. I'm not sure of the elevation at the trailhead, but I overheard another gentleman reading to his wife that Green Lakes is at 6800 feet.

We started out around 9:30 a.m. and followed the trail as it meanders along Fall Creek for most of the 4.5 miles to reach lower Green Lake.

It was a little longer than I thought as we navigated up to a ridge that I assumed was near the lake. Unfortunately I was wrong, it was at least another 1.5 miles to the lake. As we hiked along, I was constantly checking the beautiful creek for small trout. Jan had been told that there were no fish in either the stream or the lakes. I could imagine beautiful brookies lazing along the bottom of some of the crystalline pools as I tried to forget how much my calves were tightening up.

We arrived at the top and first lake around 11:30 a.m. We could see that the bigger lake was just a quarter mile ahead and quickly moved up the trail to it. We were going to have lunch and relax for an hour or so before heading back down.

I was amazed at how close we were to South Sister and Broken Top both. We were at the base of both and the 10,000+ foot tops sat so majestically above us. There was a stream coming down from So. Sister and I later figured out it was actually Fall Creek.

The scenery was totally magnificent and it brought it home to me that this is just one of the reasons I moved to this area almost 12 years ago. We even spotted a leopard frog in the stream when we took a break to catch our breath.

I was so exhilarated by the whole experience, that I promised my wife another hike soon. I guess you could say that this was a good warm up for our anniversary this weekend and the walks we will take on the beach. That is if I can walk normally by then. Did I mention earlier that this was a little longer than I was used too???