 |
Two little Monte Cristo-area hikes pack a lot of payoff
By KAREN SYKES ![[Bio]](../art/bio_bttn.gif){kind=small}
SPECIAL TO THE POST-INTELLIGENCER
 |
Kelcema Lake
This lake was once called Deer Lake. In 1896, a mining camp existed below the lake and there were once more than 40 claims along the creek. A wagon road went up the east side of Deer Creek to Deer Creek Pass. Two mining cabins sat on the north side of the lake and in the 1920s the lake was the site of a Boy Scout summer camp.
My first visit to Kelcema Lake was on snowshoes. In the winter it makes a moderately strenuous snowshoe trip with a 1,500-foot gain (including the 4.5-mile access road). In summer and early fall, you can drive directly to the trailhead for a picnic or easy stroll -- the hike to the lake is less than a mile.
It makes a good destination for families with small children and though the lakeshore may be crowded during the day, it also makes a good beginners backpack. The trail, which lies in the Boulder Creek Wilderness, has no elevation gain, is well graded and easy to follow.
The lake has an outhouse, campsites and on the right-hand side rests a large boulder that looks down and across the lake. We were disappointed that a group of youngsters beat us to the boulder, but they were having so much fun swimming in the lake, we couldn't begrudge their pleasure.
The lake is scenic, with lily pads blooming in late August, but most of the flowers have already gone to seed by now. The Canadian dogwood is vivid with clusters of bright red berries and twisted stalk hides scarlet berries on the underside of its leaves. We saw a few asters in bloom and the ever-present Pearly Everlasting. The hellebore is tired and tattered, and there was a slight scent of fall in the air.
A rough trail goes partly around the lake on the right-hand side to a talus slope. From the end of the lake, there is a good view of Devil's Thumb.
Getting there: From Granite Falls, drive the Mountain Loop Highway to Deer Creek Road at milepost 23, turn left and drive to a junction at one mile. Stay left (Forest Road 4052) and drive about 3-1/2 miles to the signed trailhead at 3,100 feet. The road is in fair condition and adequate for most passenger cars. From the parking lot, Devil's Thumb can be seen to the east.
Trail detail: The trail begins at 3,100 feet, passing through a gentle landscape of western mountain ash, huckleberry and false azalea. The trail passes a small meadow -- earlier in the year look for marsh marigolds. The trail is rocky but well-maintained. The lake, up to 45 feet deep, is reached in less than a mile. The lake has been heavily fished but offers good swimming for those bold or young enough to tolerate cold water. During the winter, the Mountain Loop Highway is kept open as far as Deer Creek Road. The 4.5-mile road makes an excellent ski or snowshoe trip.
Trail data: Less than two miles round trip. Elevation gain less than 100 feet.
Deer Creek Pass
 |
The trail is not in a wilderness area and doesn't get the attention that Kelcema Lake does. A miners trail once led northeast from the pass to a cabin high on the western side of Helena Peak, but we couldn't find it.
Persistent hikers with route-finding and scrambling skills may come across this faint path, which leads to the site of the cabin and artifacts from the 1890s.
Deer Creek Pass is reached at 3,440 feet. On a clear day there are good views of Three Fingers, Liberty and Whitehorse, but it was cloudy and we didn't see the peaks.
The pass is forested and since we couldn't view the peaks, we looked for other aspects of nature to ponder and didn't have to look far. There are ancient cedar trees near the pass and if you don't mind getting down on your knees, there are club mosses to investigate and other visual delights along the trail. Devils club and Canadian dogwood are prevalent.
From Deer Creek Pass, the trail descends to the Clear Creek logging road, but we didn't follow the trail down. From the pass, the trail deteriorates and is brushy. Experienced climbers can reach Helena Peak (5,401 feet) from Deer Creek Pass. Most hikers will be content to stop at the pass, view the peaks and hike to Kelcema Lake for lunch.
Trail detail: The trail starts from the parking area, beginning in groves of huckleberry and hellebore before entering forest. The trail stays initially level as it wanders through a marshy area, crossing a small stream on a deteriorating wooden bridge. The trail then switchbacks through western hemlock and at .4 mile, the high point of the ridge is attained. A small clearing offers views of Liberty, Three Fingers and Whitehorse.
Trail data: 0.8 miles round trip, 340-foot elevation gain.
· New Silver Fir chairlift signals big-time growth for The Summit at Snoqualmie
· Snowshoeing on Mount Seymour: B.C. walk rewards with beauty and chocolate fondue
· Lincoln and Cove parks: Two waterfront parks bring nature near
· For running, high-priced jacket's claims are all wet
· Outdoors Report: Forecast favorable for clam diggers
· Outdoors Report: Anglers banking on uptick in 2009 openings
more
· Seattle citizens give city's storm response a failing grade
· A flamboyant leader of a Seattle street gang faces federal scrutiny
· The Independent: What creationists really hate is that we emerged by accident
· President-elect Obama has room to be bold
more
101 Elliott Ave. W.
Seattle, WA 98119
(206) 448-8000
Home Delivery: (206) 464-2121 or (800) 542-0820
seattlepi.com serves about 4 million unique visitors
and 45 million page views each month.
Send comments to newmedia@seattlepi.com
Send investigative tips to iteam@seattlepi.com
©1996-2009 Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Terms of Use/Privacy Policy
