Snow & Huge bear:
The trail to Blueberry creek 1.1 miles in was clear. There was some snow to cross after the first creek crossing (@ Blueberry creek). The second ridge was clear of snow until the top. At the summit of the second ridge, it was entirely covered with 2-4 feet of packed snow. It was easy enough to cross with only boots. From the top of the second ridge all the way into the lakes, there was only about 5% of the trail that was snow free. The snow was 2-6 feet deep and was easy to cross, because it was solid. However there were some times that I, "post-holed," and was hip deep in snow, or over a void in the snowpack.
The snow made a 3 hour hike into a 6 hour hike. I was actually tired and cramping when I reached upper Mildred. Never had it taken me so long to get there before. Next, I was forced to return home, rather than spend the night at upper Mildred.
About 50 feet before I entered upper Mildred Lake, I smelled bear. Two steps later, I then stepped directly onto his bed. It had some shed hair on a place that was dry and obviously a bed. Withing four feet of either side of the bed, were two extremely large bear droppings. I've never seen bear droppings this big -- except in Alaska where there are griz. One dropping was very fresh. My hair stood up, I knelt down to actually check for heat coming off the, "log. " I listened and thought. This log of bear crap was as long as my fist and forearm; it had the thickness/diameter of my fist. Had I not been in the Olympic Mountains, I'd swear that this was a large Grizzly turd.
I've hiked in the Olympic mountains for 51 years and have never had the need for bear spray. However, I wished then that I had brought it. I backed out immediately and worked my way to the lower lake. At the lower lake I had to rest, water up and take in some salts, because my legs were exhausted and cramping. I watched for the bear to follow my track around the Lower Mildred Lake while I rested. After a 30 minute rest, I hustled up and out to the top of the second ridge. In short, I made my way home without incident.
Just know that there is a bear at Upper Mildred. I'm calculating that it is a large male black bear. This time of year they are very hungry and not very agreeable to humans. I'd would suggest that one wait till July before returning and to bring all needed strategies and items to ensure one's safety in an area with a large male black bear.
Comments