Mt. Jeff up close and personal
I took advantage of the sunny weather to make way back to the bull of the woods wilderness. I was actually planning on hiking the motherlode loop but I didn't think I would have enough time with blow down and navigating the abandoned trail section. I opted for a shorter and spectacular loop hiking up to BOTW watchtower from Pansy Lake. The temperature on the 63 road was 31 degrees. By the time I arrived at the Pansy basin trailhead it was 50 degrees!
The trail starts through a fairly mature open forest with a nice mix of trees. There are some nice rocky outcroppings and pretty creeks. After around 3/4 of a mile there is a creek crossing with a gorgeous little waterfall that is tough to get a photo of but I tried
All the water was running high from the snow melt.
unnamed waterfall from above
The trail continues up to Pansy lake, and to my surprise, it was mostly FROZEN! At this point it was nearly 60 degrees!
Pansy lake with Pansy mountain looming overhead
But Huey didn't mind
The trail climbs steeply from the lake up to a nice viewpoint overlooking Pansy
Pansy Lake
The trail climbs a bit more until reaching the motherlode trail intersection. I took a left here heading up a ridge. Before long there are some really spectacular views of Jeff and Three sisters.
Mt Jefferson & Huey
Sisters peaking through
The trail continues to gently climb to the BOTW watchtower turnoff. Take a sharp left (like 160 degrees) here. There are some nice views to the north here.
Mt. Hood
Tree reclaims the trail sign
The trail climbs a bit more steeply now but not too bad. The views continue...
After a few short switchbacks, the trail reaches the famous Bull of the Woods Watchtower! To my surprise there was still almost no snow here. There were some patches near to a foot deep but also a lot of bare ground! The trail to this point was completely clear.
The four horsemen
Huey was a little unsure about being on the tower!
Big slide mountain and I think Lake as well
After eating lunch, Huey and I continue down the trail. After a mile or so take another sharp left heading down towards Dickie Lake. This was a really nice surprise! There is a neat little meadow on the way down as well as a very diverse beautiful forest. There are some scattered old growth. The lake itself was mostly frozen again and just gorgeous!
A sunny Dickie Lake
I thought this was pretty much the last highlight of this trail until I spotted this little fella through the trees...
I stalked closer silently as to not spook the elusive seasonal kickass falls....
Ok so it's not eagle creek but it was a really great treat at the end of fantastic day in the Bull... In January... Without any snow... Hiking in shorts and a short-sleeve shirt... This could be a rough summer!
Take us home Huey!
