August 2024 Trip: A Memorable Adventure!

This trip was one for the books! We ventured into the unknown, tackling an unofficial trail mapped out by one of the hikers’ friends—on paper, no less. My brother and I digitized it into a GPX file, piecing together what we thought matched the hand-drawn map. It’s a good reminder: always carry multiple maps when exploring, especially in uncharted territory!

We kicked off the adventure after work, driving late into the night to a hotel just outside Cascade. Bright and early the next morning, we were on the road by 6:30 AM, ready to hit the trail. The hike started strong, with sights of huckleberries, deer, and a variety of tracks keeping us entertained. About an hour and a half in, we paused to refuel, shed our packs, and let our bodies adjust to the demanding journey ahead.

Halfway to Blackmare Lake, the trail turned brutal. A sharp cutoff led us straight up the mountain, following a steep water runoff path. At a grueling 45-degree angle and with heavy packs (mine weighed about 35 lbs), every step felt monumental. But once we summited, the view made every drop of sweat worth it. Surreal doesn’t even begin to describe it.

Our group was spread out due to varying paces, so we waited at the top for everyone to regroup. From there, the real adventure began: no trail, no guide—just cairns left by the friend who originally scouted the area. Navigating by rock stacks alone, we eventually reached Blackmare Lake. It was breathtaking.

That night, we set up camp and soaked in the serenity. The next day, we split our time between relaxing and exploring. I brought my fishing pole, and let me tell you—it was amazing. I caught 18 trout in total! Unfortunately, my fishing spree ended when I cast my trusty 3/8oz Kastmaster lure into the lake and underestimated the bushes behind me. The line snapped, and I could only watch as it sank to the bottom. A frustrating but hilarious moment! I had other lures, but that Kastmaster was unbeatable.

The downtime at the lake was magical. My brother and I explored the area, napped by the water, and just soaked up the beauty. It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend a day.

As for food, I’m so glad I packed creatively! While we relied on freeze-dried meals for the bulk of our sustenance, I brought along stuffing, instant potatoes, and gravy mix for a little taste of home. And then there were the Red Bulls—two “luxury” items my mom warned me against bringing due to their weight. I brought them anyway, and on the second morning, my brother and I split one. We both agreed it was the best Red Bull we’d ever had. Sometimes, the little comforts are worth the extra weight.

On the third morning, rain had soaked the landscape overnight, making the greenery almost luminescent. After packing up, my brother, mom, and I began the hike back. Retracing our steps, we followed the cairns down the mountain and the water runoff to rejoin the original trail. The journey back to the car felt endless, but the sight of those vehicles around the final corner was euphoric.

I feel so lucky to live in a place where such stunning adventures are just a few hours away. I’m already planning my next trip, and you can bet I’ll be packing an extra Kastmaster, just in case. 😉