Trip Report
Cathedral Rock, Deep Lake & Waptus Lake via Waptus River — Monday, Jun. 15, 2015
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
We started our 2 night 3 day loop right near the Tucquala Meadows campground at the end of NF 4330. Road was good besides one spot you need to cross a stream. no problem for trucks, cars use caution. The trail starts with about 2.8 miles of switchbacks, at the top you can go right for Squaw lake and Cathedral rock, went left for Waptus Lake which is about 7 more miles of steady down hill. Waptus is epic. Giant lake with picturesque mountains and plenty of lake side camping spots. Fish are rampant in the lake. In the morning we started our ascent to deep lake. This day was about 5 miles with an 1100 ft gain that goes by VERY fast after the 10 miles to Waptus. Deep lake is very pretty as well with Cathedral rock looming over you. From there we headed back to the car. It starts with a rough climb up switchbacks of about 1100 ft to the base of Cathedral rock but from there its down hill to Squaw lake and the car! Bugs were fine at Waptus, Deep lake was practically unbearable! We went on a Monday but we only saw about 3 groups the whole trip!
Comments
John Morrow on Deep Lake, Cathedral Rock, Waptus River
If that is smoke coming from your site at Deep Lake, be aware that campfires are prohibited within 1/2 mile of Deep Lake to protect the trees and fragile subalpine resource. You passed a bulletin board and at least one Oak sign stating as such. Know you regulations.
Posted by:
John Morrow on Jul 13, 2015 09:59 AM
JiuJitsuman on Deep Lake, Cathedral Rock, Waptus River
When the masquitos go through multiple cans of bug spray and your clothes, you make a fire. Thats survival right there and no sign will tell convince you otherwise.
Posted by:
JiuJitsuman on Jul 13, 2015 11:39 AM
Jordan69420 on Deep Lake, Cathedral Rock, Waptus River
Oh no! The hot fire burned all the precious wood!!
Posted by:
Jordan69420 on Jul 13, 2015 02:17 PM
Fire Impacts
Please take this comment in the positive spirit that I intend it. I hope to provide some information, not incite a p------ contest. Campfires are great in some areas--but not all. When they are prohibited, it is not only to protect downed wood (which provides food for detritus-eating fungi, bacteria, etc and contributes to soil formation) but it is also because once soil is burned at those temps, the biota in the soil is killed and the soil is essentially sterilized-- so nothing will grow in it again unless restoration is made-- not to mention fire danger this year, and the ensuing prohibitions on campfires all over our forests.
I am headed out there in a few days and will let you all know how the bugs are! Maybe I will bring my head net. thanks for the warning. If they are unbearable I will go somewhere else :-)
Posted by:
marmot19 on Jul 30, 2015 07:17 PM