Troop 202 wanted to go on a high adventure for this summer’s big activity rather than head to a scout camp. Our leaders charted out a plan and we headed to the Indian Heaven Wilderness Area near Mount Adams outside Trout Lake in southwest Washington.
We had ten scouts ranging in age from 13 to 17. There were three leaders along for the adventure. I was blessed to go along. I was excited about this trip. Many of the same young men were on last year’s 50-miler. We decided to make this trip a little less strenuous but still plan for a lot of fun, exercise and growth along the way.
We started at Cultus Campground outside Trout Lake (see a good description of directions & amenities at Cultus Campground here, scroll down on page to find it). You’ll notice a lot of mosquito head nets on the scouts. There were plenty of biting bugs along the trail and at the camp sites. We used the nets and deet but we all still got plenty of mosquito bites. Though it was a distraction, it was not a big deterrent from us having a great time.
There was a good parking area at the campground, we found a few vehicles there and expected to see several people on the trail but we only saw five people the first day, a group of a dozen people on day 2 and that was it.
We strapped on our packs and headed up the Indian Heaven Trail #33.
Day 1
- 3.34 miles
- 1 hour 35 minutes hiking time
- Camped at Deep Lake 5141′ elevation
Ready to head out at Cultus Campground
We knew we would be gaining at least a thousand feet of elevation on Day 1. Cultus Campground is around 4000′ and our destination was over 5000′. As we climbed, the group started spreading out a bit. We let the scouts know we would be staying together for safety. As we started climbing, I took a deep breath and remembered the refreshing aroma of the forest, it is awesome. Beautiful views of Mount Adams (Pahto as the indians call it) were frequent along the trail, especially as we got higher and higher. We also ran into some patches of snow and plenty of moisture on the trail as the snow melt drained downhill.
Mount Adams
Trailside Stream from Snowmelt
We wandered our way up the trail, across snow, dry trail, mud, rocks and more.
On the Trail
On the Trail
Along the way, we spotted several beautiful flowers and plants.
Lone Pink Flower
On the Trail
The scouts were real troopers. Some were in better shape and health than others but everyone was able to complete the route. We turned off the main trail to head for Deep Lake, our first night’s destination.
Trail Break
We hiked less than 2 hours to get to our first night’s destination. We had seen a camp site on the internet when we were scoping this place out but someone was already camped there. We circled the lake and found another spot.
Deep Lake
Deep Lake
The site we found was pretty nice, some sloping tent spots and a large patch of snow made for some mud but there was a fire ring and some sitting logs and enough room for all our tents.
Deep Lake Camp Site
Deep Lake Camp Site Fire Ring
We worked fairly quickly to get lunch, gather wood, set up tents and get camp all set up. We then broke off into three groups so Tory, Will and I could start our rotating sessions on merit badges. Each of the leaders had three different merit badges they were teaching.
Working on Merit Badges like Astronomy, Nature, Mammal Study, Camping, Backpacking
Working on Merit Badges like Fishing, Fly Fishing, Geocaching
Working on Merit Badges in the Sun
We rotated between the three leaders and different merit badges for 3 or4 one-hour sessions to try and help the scouts earn and learn as much as they could.
By the end of that, our sunny day had quickly disappeared! It was beautiful up until late afternoon when low clouds/fog blanketed Deep Lake and our camp site. We couldn’t even see across the lake but it was a great setting for making dinner and hunting for critters! We had MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) for dinners. The MREs even came with their own heaters (apparently some sort of salt water/magnesium chemical reaction mix). The young men were responsible for their breakfasts and lunches.
Foggy Critter Hunting
Elisha's Friend
Frog Attacks Caleb
LOTs of Slimy Salamanders
Frog Legs Anyone?
After the youth got their wildlife fix, we worked to gather more wood for the campfire, finished eating dinners
Dinner Time "Don't try to eat through that mosquito netting!"
Dinner Time, MREs With Built-in Warmers
As the sky darkened, the moisture in the air from the fog/clouds thickened. Some donned their ponchos, I put my pack in the tent and that worked pretty well. We all gathered around the campfire for a little program. I told a couple of stories. One was an indian legend about raising the sky, another was about a rowing team who benefited from living clean lives.
Campfire at Deep Lake
Everyone was pretty tired from the activities and hike so we turned in. Will and I slept in my tent with out packs. It was tight quarters but worked out pretty well.
Great! Looks like they are ready to go!!!