We arrived at the trailhead around 8:45am where there was a single dew-covered car presumably belonging to a backpacker.
We are not sure how it is that we've never done this hike before. The trail is in great shape, it is nicely graded and well maintained. Recent drainage work is evident. There are still lots of huckleberries, though past their prime taste-wise. Lots of mushrooms or varying colors, shapes and sizes, lining the trail.
The weather was cool and sunny, perfect weekday hike. We hiked the East Crater trail to Junction Lake then backtracked slightly to catch the PCT South. We took the PCT partway around East Crater before hiking up toward the crater rim, passing a tarn about halfway up, before reaching the rim. We then proceed into the crater. After a quick break we climbed out of the crater on the opposite side for views of Mt Hood, Mt Rainier and Mt Adams (though Adams was mostly blocked by Lemei Rock). then back down to the PCT.
We did not see anyone until the return trip on the East Crater trail. We passed a group of 3 backpackers then a group of 4 day hikers. Upon our return to the trailhead around 1:40p there were 4 new cars (plus the car that was there when we arrived in the morning).
We drove over to Forlorn Lakes Campground after the hike. Campsites are spread around a few different lakes and looked pretty nice from what we could see. None of the campsites were occupied.
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