Lake Valhalla

June 25, 2016


Lake Valhalla. Just the name alone conjures up images of Vikings, Norse gods, and mythical places. How could I not go visit such a beautiful sounding place? I didn't plan on encountering any gods or valkyries, but I did hope for an adventure to a place worthy of such as esteemed name. I wasn't disappointed.



Celebrating my arrival on the PCT!

Our voyage began on the well-used and well maintained Smithbrook trail, which modestly climbed upwards, leading us to a place called Union Gap. It was here that we turned southwards on a section of the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). It has long been a goal of mine to hike all 2650 miles of the PCT, so stepping onto the trail was momentous for me. We followed this portion of trail for another two miles, gradually carrying us up, over and around the ridgeline. We hit some snowfields and downed trees along the way, but nothing we couldn't handle. 

Evie & Myke make their way across a snowfield

We rounded the edge of Lichtenberg Mountain and there, in a cirque at the bottom, was Lake Valhalla. We stopped in our tracks and gasped at the beauty. I don't know what my readers' beliefs are, but I believe in an almighty God ... and scenes like this remind me of how magnificent He is. I found myself, once again, in awe.

It took us a few minutes to find the route down to the lake, as the trail was pretty much covered in snow the rest of the way down. Eventually we arrived on the south shore, which is where we stopped for lunch. The lake is bordered by the imposing Lichtenberg Mountain to the east and on the west by Mount McCausland. The lake seems to drop off the horizon to the north, where the two mountains meet. There are a couple backcountry campsites on the north end that I intend to come back and utilize. 

 

Lake Valhalla



Dan & Myke share a tender moment lakeside





Lichtenberg Mountain



Evie at Lake Valhalla

As we ate lunch, we watched a school of trout swim in the crystal clear waters, possibly enjoying the warmer shallow water close to shore. A small waterfall added its quiet song to the ambiance. An occasional bird tittered in the nearby trees. We each took a host of photographs before begrudgingly donning our packs and bidding the lake adieu. The popularity of the lake became evident as we were packing up by the dozen or so hikers that showed up as we were leaving. Our trek back to the trailhead was uneventful and my knees appreciated the moderate elevation of the trail.

Lake Valhalla was indeed worthy of its name, a place held by the Norse God Odin. It was truly a place of mystical and mythical beauty. I look forward to returning.

Hike 31 of 52
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation gain: 1500'
Highest elevation achieved: 5050'