2014 Bug Level Thread

[-Q-]

Hiked to Wy'East Basin, Elk Cove and Barrett Spur on Wednesday 7/30/14. Bug update:

Vista Ridge... lotsa biting flies during the day, few mosquitos in the evening
Wy'East Basin... lotsa biting flies during the day, some mosquitos in the evening
Elk Cove... lotsa biting flies during the day, some daytime mosquitos, some mosquitos in the evening
Barrett Spur... no biting flies, no mosquitos
Dollar Lake... no biting flies, no mosquitos
Coe Creek... no biting flies, no mosquitos

[xrp]

Yoran Trail in Diamond Peak Wilderness 8/1/2014

No bugs until around 5,600
Moderate bugs after the small lake that the trail skirts en route to Yoran Lake (with 1.5-2.0 miles remaining to Yoran Lake)

[sprengers4jc]

Umbrella Falls loop. Biting flies were awful. No mosquitos. We made great time because we couldn't stop without getting swarmed. Recommended gear: Tyvek suit. I'd toss in a flamethrower, for additional protection.

[BeaverDawg]

Hiked the Riley Camp trail #64 on 8/2/14 to Crystal Lake (West side of Mt Adams). No bugs until 4900 ft (just before the first meadow) and BAM! They were aggressive and hungry the rest of the way. Some biting flies too. Be prepared if you go!

[justpeachy]

Yoran Trail in Diamond Peak Wilderness 8/1/2014

No bugs until around 5,600
Moderate bugs after the small lake that the trail skirts en route to Yoran Lake (with 1.5-2.0 miles remaining to Yoran Lake)

Wow, you're lucky! I was on the Mt. Yoran Trail that same day. Mosquitoes stayed with me from Notch Lake to Divide Lake. Except for a period of breeze at Divide Lake the mosquitoes were constant and aggressive until I got back to the car.

[xrp]

Yoran Trail in Diamond Peak Wilderness 8/1/2014

No bugs until around 5,600
Moderate bugs after the small lake that the trail skirts en route to Yoran Lake (with 1.5-2.0 miles remaining to Yoran Lake)

Wow, you're lucky! I was on the Mt. Yoran Trail that same day. Mosquitoes stayed with me from Notch Lake to Divide Lake. Except for a period of breeze at Divide Lake the mosquitoes were constant and aggressive until I got back to the car.

What time of the day were you out there?

I started from Shelter Cove (Odell Lake), working my way up to Yoran Lake. I think I was in/out 9am-12noon or something like that.

My wife's side of the family was lodging at Kokanee Lodge. The area had been experiencing early afternoon thunderstorms that week. This killed my desired 2 night backpack from Shelter Cove down the PCT to Summit Lake, then over to the west side of Diamond Peak and returning. I had to resort to morning day hikes.

[justpeachy]

What time of the day were you out there?

From about 10am to 3pm. I think mosquitoes just really like the taste of my blood!

[retired jerry]

I was at the beach. Cape Dissapointment state park, but I think it's similar all along Oregon and Washington coast.

There were some mosquitoes probing my arms, so I put on long sleeves and pants. Still got a few probing my exposed skin. Never bothered using DEET. Some times it was windier and essentially no mosquitoes.

Seems like coast mosquitoes are out all summer, but their not real agressive. It's worse in the mountains.

[-Q-]

Spent the weekend (8/2-8/3) hiking in the Three Sisters wilderness. Bug update...

Tam McArthur Rim- No mosquitos, no biting flies
Broken Hand Ridge (to point 8300)- No mosquitos, no biting flies
Three Creek Lake- No mosquitos, no biting flies
All associated trails- No mosquitos, no biting flies

Camp Lake in between South & Middle Sisters- No mosquitos, no biting flies
All associated trails- No mosquitos, no biting flies

Its like a magical bug free oasis down there right now.
Wow

[Jesse]

Hiked to Pinnacle Peak in the Tatoosh Range yesterday, then did the Paradise flower trails afterward. Biting flies were pretty bad in the Tatoosh, mosquitos were an issue at Paradise but not until the evening. But once the sun got low they got pretty bad.

Wildflowers are probably near their peak at Paradise though!