Cramer Lake — Saturday, Sep. 13, 2025

finally past bug season!
parking is in a few random spaces tucked around the campground, which has a HUGE pothole not far in. several cars on the shoulder, but overall limited parking kept the trail traffic down. saw no one on my way up and several groups in the afternoon on my way down. it's not that steep in any specific section and fortunately mainly in the trees, but still a bit of a workout. saw a few hunters in the trees near the meadow. one large group of at least 15 of mixed ages on my way back I was doubtful would make the lake. (and minor hiking etiquette annoyance that their large group chose to take a break on the trail in a narrow spot using the entire trail and both sides causing me to have to rock scramble around them. this would have been a great time to start showing those young kids how to share the space!) several horses including one long train that my dog was excited about (his first horse encounter) which also meant to watch your step.

this was my first sighting of a few red and orange leaves of the year- although much of the forrest is evergreens. found logs to cross the creek in aways up trail where it started to get brushy. I think you can find a spot not more than a foot deep. loved the nice trees and meadows and lakes, which felt an odd contrast having been in smokey conditions this past week in town to the East and hearing updates on fires up and down the east side of the cascades. there is red tape at the trailhead marking that while this trail is open, many south of 410 all the way around bumping lake are closed due to wildcat fire. the large staging area is just outside of Naches. thank you fire fighters! hwy 12 detour is scenic and adds at least half an hour.