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Base Camp
Up
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- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: April 8, 2000
- Miles Hiked: 6.0
- Elevation Gain: 2,000'
- Hiking Partner(s): None
- Description:
- In order to get out this early
in the year, I am trying to find some decent hikes at lower elevations,
and this just so happened to be one. The trailhead is located
southeast of Liberty Lake (WA), which is right off of I-90 near the
Idaho/Washington border.
- Although the park was closed,
the camping, picnic, and beach area appeared to be well maintained with
lots of activities available. Because of this, I was also under
the impression that this small park gets used very heavily over the
summer months. This was another reason why I was anxious to do
this particular hike early in the year. I am not a big fan of
crowds, and one of my reasons for hiking is to get away from them.
- The trail begins by following
Liberty Lake Creek for approximately 1 1/2 miles to a grove of
cedars. From their, you switchback your way up the side of the
drainage to a waterfall that was flowing at a fairly fast clip due to
Spring runoff. From the waterfall, you hike farther into the
drainage on the side hill and then finally make it to the ridge via more
switchbacks. You would then pass an old cabin site while returning
back on the ridge and then dropping down into the entrance trail.
- After making it to the waterfall, I continued on farther for
approximately 1/4 of a mile before running into snow near the top of the
ridge and losing the trail. I didn't have time to get lost, so I
simply returned the same way the I had come in. It wasn't perfect
weather for hiking, but I certainly caught the best part of the day with
only a few snow flakes hitting me as I embarked on the hike and also
just as I was returning.
- Although I was happy to be in
the outdoors and on the trail, I wasn't really impressed with this
hike. Other than the waterfall, I didn't feel it had a lot to
offer for views or scenery. I probably shouldn't say that until I
complete the loop though. It is possible that the section of the
trail that I did not hike may have had more to present.
- Maps:
- Not available for Washington.
- Photographs:
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