Ketchikan Outdoor Recreation and Trails Coalition

2007 Activities:

We sponsored several hikes and kayak/boat trips again in 2007.

Saturday, June 30 - Dude Mountain Hike     We had a great turnout for this hike, our co-sponsor Parks & Recreation did a great job getting the word out. 14 hikers (Aaron, Ben, Dave, Hannah, Harold, Jill, John, Katie, Mandy, Mark, Megan, Rachel, Sam, and Wayne) participated, and several made it all the way to the top to enjoy the spectacular view. This photo, by Harold, shows most of the group partway up the trail. Last year there was still a considerable amount of snow on the trail, this year we scheduled it a few weeks later, but found that there was even more snow than last year.

This photo, by Dave, shows some of the hardy hikers who made it to the top. The group had lots of fun sliding down the mountain, and arrived back at the trailhead safe, sound, somewhat soaked, and satisfied.

Saturday and Sunday, July 7 & 8 - McDonald Lake Cabin boat trip and hike     We didn't have a large group for this hike, but maybe other people knew more than we did about the condition of the trail. It was only a 1.3 mile hike to a very nice Forest Service cabin on McDonald Lake, but all agreed it should henceforth be called the MuckDonald Lake Trail. Over-the-Xtra-Tuff muck puddles were a frequent hazard along the trail, but young hikers Sara, Danny, and Roy toughed it out and made it all the way. This photo (by Dave) shows Jim taking the youngsters for a spin in the skiff while Katrina made a yummy dinner. As heavy rain fell on the cabin during the night, everyone was dreading the thought of having to tackle the hike back in a downpour, fortunately the weather improved by morning, and everyone made it back safely as a light rain fell. We owe a big "thank you" to the folks at Yes Bay Lodge for their hospitality.

Saturday, July 28 - Tatoosh Island Kayak     This sort of turned into the tale of two trips. Report #1 (and photo) from Harold:
The weather report wasn't looking very favorable -- 70% chance of rain and 20 knot winds, but the morning broke to glassy seas and a light shower. By the time our group of 3 was under way it was cloudy perfect and during lunch on a sandy beach, the sun broke through for a time. Brett and Cayla are nurses new to Ketchikan who wanted to get out with other people. We rented kayaks from SE Exposure near Knudson Cove and lucked out with a free ride out to the islands with their guide set-up crew, and Jared at the helm of their boat. From there we pushed off for a leisurely exploration of the islands. We could see and hear humpbacks blowing in the distance and curious harbor seals checked us out from time to time. Brett liked slow close up and personal kayaking among the rock formations and under the cliffs. At one point we drifted through a flock of murrelets floating on the water near their cliff nests. We paddled the 4 miles back in a light rain, feeling that we had had a great trip.

Meanwhile, Dave (who did not have the correct information as to when and where the trip was starting from) pushed off from Knudson Cove in a light rain. Given a good rain hat and rain coat, Dave will take flat water and light rain over sunny skies and waves any day of the week. He paddled along the shoreline past Salmon Falls before heading across to the north end of Betton Island. By the time he reached Betton the rain had stopped, this photo shows an eagle drying his or her wings as the sun emerged. He (Dave, not the eagle) had a nice lunch near a little lagoon, and enjoyed calm water and sunny skies on the paddle back.

Saturday, August 11 - Deer Mountain Hike     What a nice hike! This was the 8th straight year we have co-sponsored this hike with Ketchikan Gateway Borough Parks & Recreation. A marginal weather forecast might have kept some people away, but it turned out to be a beautiful day, lots of sunshine but not too warm. This photo (by Dave) shows Rachael, Sam, Alistair, and Peter at the summit.

Check out some accounts and pictures from activities in previous years: 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

This page is maintained by Dave Lieben, dlieben@yahoo.com.