Berley Lakes, Oregon Cascades Trip

“This was my son?s first trip on snowshoes and camping in the snow. It?s been a long time for me as well. I had almost forgotten how wonderful the wilderness is in the winter.

The trail to Berley Lakes begins in a Sno Park at the Santiam Summit in the Oregon Cascades. The area is a jump off point for x-country skiers accessing miles of trails around the area. There is also a sledding area for those inclined to charge down a hill on an inner tube or sled. Berley Lakes are located in the Mt. Jefferson wilderness area just West of Three Fingered Jack.

The normal starting point is about ½ mile down the road but that access is blocked in the winter. Starting from the snow park you just sort of head due North until you pick up the trail coming in from the main trailhead. Since there hadn?t been any new snow for the last couple of days, there was a well-defined ski trail. This ended up being true all the way to the lake.

The first ½ mile is fairly level as you cross into the wilderness area. Passing a couple of ponds, the way heads moderately up hill for the next couple of miles. We stopped for lunch at the top of the rise. From there it?s another mile or so to the lakes.

The weather was more than you could have asked for. Not a cloud in the sky. We arrived at the lake early afternoon and set up camp. It was so quiet and peaceful. We hung out by the lake for awhile then as the sun began to retreat behind the ridge, the temperature started dropping fast. We retreated to the tent and cooked up dinner. The rest of the evening was spent talking and playing cards until it was time to sleep.

The night time temperature dipped to 13 degrees. But we stayed comfortable. Well, until nature called. No, I don?t do the death bottle in the tent. For those interested, I was using my 20 degree TNF Blue Kazoo. With long underwear and a hat, I stayed comfortable all night although I would say that much colder would have been pushing it. I am a very warm sleeper though so your mileage may vary.

Morning broke with more of the same conditions as the day before. Beautiful blue sky.

All in all it was a pretty uneventful trip. There were no accidents or weirdoes to report. That is if you could describe the incredible peace and beauty of the winter landscape as uneventful. I?m looking forward to another real soon.

Oh, and here are the pictures!”

“Sounds like a good trip. Great photos.”

“nice shots Chas! Envious! Very Envious! Can't wait till our next trip... 2more weeks.. and yes I am counting!”

“Sounds like you had a good trip. I haven't been to Berley Lakes in years, and I've never seen it in the winter. Thanks for sharin' the pics!”

“WOW! I gotta get out west!!!”