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Indian Heaven

© Wayne R. Brown

In my opening page I said there would be hikes chronicled here from the states of Oregon, Washington and Idaho. The astute may have noticed that, to date, all the hikes I've covered have been confined to Oregon. While I've been slow getting to it, here, at last is a Washington hike.

The Indian Heaven Wilderness sits in southerWashingtonon state north of Carson and southwest of Mount Adams. The area is dotted with open meadows and small lakes. And, oh yes, lots of huckleberries.

To get there, drive east from Portland to the town of Cascade Locks. Take the Bridge of the Gods across the Columbia River to Washingtonnton side of the river. Turn right (east) on State Highway 14 and pass through the townStevensonnson. Take Wind River Road north for about 30 miles. Turn right on Lone Butte Road for about 8 miles, then right again on Road 24 another 4 miles to Cultusltus Creek Campground. Drive to the far end of the campground where you will find trailheadhead.

Some words of caution are in order here. The first is that the last 12 miles or so are on gravel. The roads are fairly well maintained (we got through wChevy LuminaLumina) but there are still some puddles and potholmaneuvernuever around. While it is possible to get a car in, this is really truck country. As I said, my friLuminaLumina made it, but something like mSubaruSubaru Wagon would have been a more appropriate vehicle.

The second word of caution is about maps and directions. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT venture into this country without a good map. There might be better places to get lost and wander around on back roads for hours, but I'm not aware of them. Bring food. Bring plenty of water. Bring as close to a full tank of gas as you can manage. Again, bring a good map.

Okay, on to the trail. It starts out level. Well, okay, for the first few feet anyway. Then it starts to climb. And then it climbs some more. And then it really starts climbing.Cultusee, Cultus Creek Campground sits at about 4,000 feet. The lakes to which you are hiking sit at about 5,000 feet. The first 2 miles of the trail serve to gain that 1,000 feet of altitude. As I remember, much of that is done in the first mile. This is the part you have to be in shape for. It almost proved too much for me. But I'm nothing if not stubborn, and we eventually made it.

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