We started up the relentlessly steep Ruckel Creek trail and had a nice view of the Columbia River at one point.
Some flowers were blooming as well.
After the steep climb of 4000 feet, we reached Hunter's Camp on the edge of the Benson Plateau. Here is Ruckel Creek.
Soon after we joined the Pacific Crest Trail and had an open area
with a nice view across to Tomlike Mountain.
Our goal for that day was Wahtum Lake, and we got a nice camp. Note: the flies are out. I got a couple of bites but mostly they were just annoying, flying behind my glasses, etc.
There was still some snow left and lots of mud.
The next morning it is down the Eagle Creek trail for 6 miles.
Then I turned left on the Eagle-Tanner trail and in one mile had to wade across Eagle Creek. It was mid-thigh depth, but the current was not too strong.
Then comes the 2000 foot climb up to Tanner Ridge. I lost the trail for a while just before Big Cedar Spring Camp and had to search around for it. Near the top, you cross Thrush Pond on these lotus-leaf stepping stone logs.
The goal for that night was Tanner Butte. I had planned to get water at Tanner Spring, but the snow there apparently covered the spring and I had to melt snow. I got to the Butte at 4pm and it was gorgeous. Here was the view of Mt. Hood.
I had planned to enjoy the sunset and sunrise from that spectacular summit, but the weather had another idea.
Clouds moved in and it started raining just before sunset. The butte was in a cloud bank all night, This was my view inside my tent instead. 
And instead of camping right on the summit, I found a sheltered spot 50 yards away.
But I was warm and cozy and dry in my tent at least. In the morning the rain stopped but I still had a mostly misty hike back down.
Great report and pictures as always. Thank you for sharing.
