Total Ascent: 2412
It was going to be hot today so we tried to leave early as we knew we had a climb. Whats a day without a climb :-) It turned out to be a beautiful route with a nice 6 mile climb. We once again crossed with the Pacific Crest Trail and if there is one thing I know - I will not hike the PTC. This was one of the prettiest days for riding. Suttle Lake was very calm and still as we saw it throught the trees. The density of the forests not only along the road but mountain upon mountain stacked with the forests - it was beautiful. The trees are taller than I have seen and it felt like they were wrapping their limbs around you with their pine fragrance.
We passed Mt. Washington on our way up and of course we stopped to take a picture.
We reasched the summit of Santiam Pass - elevation 4,817.
Descending down there was a mountain called 3 Finger Jack. I was going to stop but with the traffic and descending quite fast I decided it wasnt a smart thing to do. But if you google it you will see the mountain with its distintive shape. Its a pleistocene volcano in the Cascade range.
Suttle Lake
Suttle Lake
Mt. Washington
It was a surprise when we turned the corner and there was lava fields on both sides of he road. Trees were growing within and surrounded the lava fields.
To finish off our day we had a nice long descent that meandered through the forest for close to 30 miles. We stopped at one point to enjoy the Pamela Creek.
Pamela Creek
Pamela Creek
The Sierra Cascades ride is by far my favorite ride. Challenging at times but the beauty of the land - you can't beat it. Tomorrow we travel to Government Camp. Its hard to believe we are in a cute little town called Detroit.
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