Backpack - Ancient Lake

We will meet at the Stan Coffin Public Access/Boat ramp at 10:30AM. There is a bathroom at this location. We will caravan 0.5mi to the H Lake Public Access Parking area  with the goal of hitting the trail no later than 11:00AM. 

Itinerary

Saturday: Leave H Lake by 11:00AM. On our first day we will be descending to our campsite which is located along the Columbia River shore. We will hike at a easy/moderate pace (~1.5MPH) with stops, to adjust layers, have snack/water breaks as needed, and so we have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and socialize with our fellow backpackers. 6mi and 400ft elevation gain, 1000ft loss.

Sunday: Early breakfast along the river. We will get our bags packed and ready with the goal of hitting the trail by 9:30AM. We will continue our clockwise loop hiking out around the Ancient Lakes and past waterfalls as we return to the trailhead. 1.5mi before the trailhead we will hit a talus crossing and will ascend a short steep section that requires some scrambling with use of hands. 5mi and 900ft elevation gain, 300ft loss.

Elevation and mileage derived from Caltopo. Sunrise/Sunset: 6:25AM/7:40PM

This is a rescheduled mentored trip for Elyse.

Special Considerations

• On our second day, we will cross some tough talus sections and will ascend a short steep section that requires some scrambling with use of hands. Please do not register for this hike unless you are comfortable with these conditions.
• Because we are camping at the Columbia River, we will have access to water that we can filter, so you will not need to carry in all your drinking water, as is typically required for this area.
• The route starts and ends near Quincy, WA. The typical drive from Seattle is around 2 hours and 45min, so please plan accordingly depending on your departure location.
• A Discover Pass is required to park at the Trailhead.

Leader Permission

Leader permission is required for this trip. Please do not request permission until February 11th. All requests before that date will not be answered.

Please include the following information in your request:

• A few examples of overnight or multi-night backpacking trips within the last 2 -3 years. If these were Mountaineers trips, you may also simply reference your online Activity History.
• What you have been doing during the Winter/Spring 2022 season so you will be ready to comfortably complete and enjoy this trip
• Clarify whether you have camped in cold and/or rainy conditions before. It is not unusual for it to drop to near freezing (or below) at this time of the year
• Please confirm you are comfortable with crossing talus and ascending via a short steep scramble that will require the use of your hands while carrying your backpacking pack

COVID Considerations

All participants on this trip will be required to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Our goal here is to keep everyone safe and healthy.