July 2015 was another wonderful month! I took a couple trips to McCloud Lake and the McCloud River where the swimming is incredible. My friend Jeff and I climbed Mount Thielsen, the lightning rod of the Cacades. After that exciting trip we visited Crater Lake National Park and then made our way over to Lava Beds National Park. My next trip was to a series of lakes called Boulder Lakes. It was a fun filled beautiful hike in the Trinity Alps. I then re-visited one of my favorite local areas named Gray Rock Lakes. I made it a point to climb higher than my previous visits and was treated to an outstanding view of the Castle Crags. After taking this trip my lake count for 2015 is 41 different lakes! I probably swam in half of them. My last trip for the month of July was to Redwoods National Park, the Smith River, and Northern California Coast. I must make this trip at the very least once a year. It truly is one of my favorite places I have ever visited. When I rode my bicycle from Wisconsin to California the Coastal Redwoods were my destination and they continue to be year after year. I cannot show in photographs how beautiful this part of the country is, you must see it yourself to truly understand. I can't wait to go back!
From here on out I will post my adventures and photography on a more regular basis.
Hope you enjoy!
Hope you enjoy!
McCloud, California
McCloud California is my favorite side of Mount Shasta. It is like taking a step back in time and the natural beauty of the area is incredible. The town itself is a quaint mountain town with old time charm. The forests, rivers, and the McCloud Reservoir are full of beauty and a great place to achieve solitude. I feel very at peace and completely relaxed when I visit McCloud.
Osprey fishing at McCloud Reservoir
Crystal clear water makes for excellent swimming
On weekdays you can usually find a spot on the lake to have to yourself
So happy to be here!
Friends Daniel and Isabella came out to swim, hike, and camp for a night.
McCloud River - photo taken from the Pacific Crest Trail bridge at Ash Camp
Ace preparing to jump in the cold clear water.
Bottom of the dam at McCloud Reservoir
Mount Thielsen
Two years ago my Mom visited me in California and we took a trip up to Crater Lake National Park. We spent a night at the Diamond Lake Resort just north of Crater Lake and for the first time I saw what is called Mount Thielsen. I told my Mom that very moment that someday I would return to climb Mount Thielsen. The mountain points high into the sky above tree line and looks very intimidating to climb. The hike was long and uphill the entire way but not very technical until the final accent. Even then an experienced climber will have no problem reaching the top, as long as it isn't too windy. Wind and lighting have killed people climbing Mount Thielsen and although it wasn't windy the day we climbed there was a storm building as we reached the top. We had spent the night before camping on the shores of Diamond Lake and the weather forecast said a 20 percent chance of storms so we made a decision to go for it. The views on top of Mount Thielsen were truly breathtaking! It is the only mountain outside of Crater Lake National Park where Crater Lake is visible. We didn't rest for too long on the summit as the storm was building rapidly and we did not want to be hit by lightning. By the time we began our decent down the mountain the thunder and lighting had begun and we found ourselves running down the mountain to tree line. At this point it started to rain and then turned to marble size hail. It was quite exciting but we were happy to make it back to the truck alive. I would recommend starting early as Mount Thielsen produces storms in the late morning and early afternoon quite often. I would have to say it was the most unique mountain I have ever been on with some of the most amazing views in Oregon!
Mount Thielsen from Diamond Lake
The top of Mount Thielsen from the trail
Chipmunk posing for the camera with Diamond Lake in the background
4 miles into the trail
Climbing up the steep part
View to the West
Pretty flowers near the summit
One of my favorite parts of the climb
Happy to be here!
Jeff making the final accent
Not a good place to slip.
This swirly cloud formed with the thunderstrom
Storm clouds above Mount Thielsen
Hail and lightning
Crater Lake National Park
After returning to the car we made our way to Crater Lake National Park. With more storms approaching we decided not to camp at the park and just enjoyed the views before continuing on our journey. This was my third visit to Crater Lake, if you have never been it is very worth the visit. I highly recommend the hike down to the lake for a very cold swim and scenic boat tour. The best view of the Crater is from the lake itself. Crater Lake's deepest point is 1,946 feet deep!
Say cheese Jeff
(previous trip) Took this picture from the boat, amazing water!!
Lave Beds National Monument
Our next stop was a place named Lava Beds National Monument near Tulelake, California. Just south of the Oregon border is an underground world full of mystery and history! Yes I made that up but it's true. Lava Beds national Monument has hundreds of lava tubes to explore. Some of these lava tubes have pictographs from the Modoc tribes who fought here during the Modoc War of 1872. Craters, buttes, chimneys, and many other forms of volcanic activity are just some of the things to see in the park. We explored several of the parks features before making our way back home.
Tule Lake Lookout (constructed by the CCC in 1938)
My next hiking trip was a solo day trip into the Trinity Alps. I visited 4 lakes and got some incredible views of the Trinity Alps and distant lakes. I look forward to returning to this area to explore some more and spend a night or two.
Waterfall on the way to East Boulder Lake
Gray Rock Lakes
I returned to Gray Rock Lakes this July to go for another swim and do some exploring. My last trip to the lakes was in March and I did my monthly polar plunge in upper Gray Rock Lake. It was much easier in July but not quite as invigorating. I did however have the lakes to myself and pushed on further than I have ever explored this area in the past. High above upper Gray Rock Lake is a rocky ledge that I decided I would attempt to summit this trip. It took awhile to reach the top but when I peeked over the edge I was treated to maybe the best view of the Castle Crags I have ever seen. In addition Mount Shasta and Black Butte were also quite visible as well as upper and lower Gray Rock Lakes. It was well worth the push to the top of the ridge! This was my 4th trip to Gray Rock Lakes and only once have I ever come across another person. Should be named Solitude Lakes.
3 mile hike to the trailhead
Upper Boulder Lake
A little bit warmer this time around
The jump in spot
Mount Shasta
Redwoods National Park
My last entry for the month of July is one of my favorite places I have ever visited, California's Redwood Coast. In 2009 I left Wisconsin on my bicycle bound for the Redwood Coast and 3 months later I found myself in this magical forest. I still get the same feelings I had during that first visit every time I return. I love walking through the Redwood forest and feeling so tiny among the giants. I love going to Endert's Beach and feeling like I have the Pacific Ocean to myself. I love skinny dipping in the crystal clear waters of the Smith River and Redwood Creek. There is nowhere quite like California's Redwood Coast! It truly must be experienced to fully understand how amazing this part of the Earth is. Photographs and stories can only do so much, you must experience the Redwoods for yourself if you are a nature lover. I have been to Redwood National Park quite a few times now and I usually chose to go alone. It is great fun with friends but it can be quite enriching to be alone in the Redwood Forest and Northern California Coast. I hope to someday have land and a cabin in this area but in the meantime I will continue to visit. Here are some photographs from my July trip.
Many wildflowers on the way to Endert's Beach
Overlooking the Ocean, Redwoods, and Redwood Creek (the grey rock is the creek's sandbar)
From here on out I will update my blog after each adventure.
Happy Trails! ~ Kevin Citta
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