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Photograph of Pete Lake in Washington State with the sun about to go down behind the mountains.

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Man sitting with a beer looking over Spectacle Lake

I started my hike to Pete Lake around 2 pm and arrived there around 4 pm. It's only about 4 miles and the trail has very little elevation gain. Once at the lake, I found that I was the second party to arrive for an overnight stay. Within about an hour, three more parties arrived, so I wasn't the only one getting a late start. :)


Camping hammock with an integrated bug net set up in a forest

The plan was to spend the night at Pete Lake, get an early start in the morning to beat the heat and make it to Spectacle Lake in the early afternoon. Spend the night at Spectacle and on the following day, hike the approximately nine miles back to Pete Lake Trailhead. Once I'd relaxed by Pete Lake for a while, I set up my new hammock with an integrated bug net. The bugs at Pete Lake this time of the year are nasty. By about 7 pm I'd had enough, (bug spray only dissuades the lazy bugs), and retreated to my hammock to try and get a full night's sleep before starting the next hike around dawn.

I had tested this hammock at home before going on this backpacking trip, but that was in near-ideal conditions. I found that in less-than-ideal conditions, the hammock has some problems. For one, no ridge line to control the hang angle and length. Another is that the straps stretched in the night so I went from hanging at chair height to about 12 inches from the ground by morning.


Wooden sign bolted to a tree reading, "Pete Lake Trail No. 1323 Spectacle Lake".

I woke at first light, had some porridge, packed up, checked around to make sure I'd not left anything, and then started my trek to Spectacle Lake. The trail starts much like the trail to Pete Lake, with not much elevation gain along a well-groomed path. Along the trail, there are several logs that have fallen across the path. Most are easy enough to get over and even those that are a little more challenging didn't stop me, and I have a prosthetic leg. The trail will lead you to Lemah Creek where you're supposed to ford the stream. I wasn't going to do that. It was about 2-3 feet deep and running fast. Fortunately, in addition to trees across the path, there are also trees across the creek. I continued along the trail to Lemah Meadows and on the left found a cairn marking the unofficial trail (a little bush-whacking is needed) that leads to two sets of logs that cross over the two branches of Lemah Creek. It was a little tricky, but with good boots, balance and hiking poles, I was able to make it across easily.


A trail in the woods with a stone cairn indicating the correct path to take.

It's not long after crossing Lemah Creek that you leave the forest shade and enter the burned remains of the forest. Nature has started reclaiming the land, but there's little to no shade so sunblock, long sleeves, wide-brimmed hat, are strongly recommended to prevent sunburn.

A trail running along the side of a mountain that suffered a forest fire several years ago is now starting to come back.

There are several streams along the way and a waterfall. Take some time to relax and enjoy those. I replenished my quickly depleting water supply at them and doused my hat in the streams to cool myself down.


The author of the blog post (Glenn Barfield) wearing a hat and glasses next to a mountain waterfall on the trail to Spectacle Lake.

After a lot of switch-backs and elevation gain, you'll attain the ridge where you can look down to Spectacle Lake. The trail down the basin to the lake starts off steep but manageable. As you get closer to the lake you'll find that the trail starts splitting off into several different paths to various campsites. To go to the peninsula that almost divides the lake in two, stick to the paths going left. They are a little hard to find, the one I took went over a massive flattish rock outcropping and down a steep path. This took me to the peninsula and even more social trails to explore. At this point, I just started exploring the peninsula looking for a good campsite.


A high elevation view of Spectacle Lake in the Cascade Mountains of Washington state.

I found a great spot next to the lake and rigged up my hammock. Testing it I found that it was sinking down to the ground. The distance between the trees was too great. I relocated it to a couple of trees that were closer together but still had to pull it so tight that I was getting badly squeezed at the shoulders. Fortunately, I always carry a ground tarp and using that, my rainfly, hiking poles, and some line I always carry, I was able to set up an open-ended A-frame tent. I positioned it so the breeze coming off the lake would go through the tent. This helped cut down on the bugs and with a few sprays of bug repellent, I was able to avoid all but the most determined bugs.

The sun setting behind the Cascade mountains with Spectacle Lake in the foreground.

After dinner, I spent some time wandering around the peninsula, chatted with a few other campers and then settled down to watch the sun go down behind the mountains. One of my favourite things to do when camping is to sit and just look at the view.

The next morning I woke up a little before dawn and so enjoyed my morning porridge watching the sun come up.


Early morning view of Spectacle Lake with no wind so the lake is a perfect reflection of the trees and mountains.

It was going to be a hot one again so I made sure to fill all four of my one-liter bottles with fresh (filtered) mountain lake water, packed up and hit the trail before 7 am. The hike out of the basin in which Spectacle Lake sits is really the only hard part of the hike back. Once that's done the trail is generally a relaxing hike back.

I chose Bandera Mountain for a Saturday hike based on the reviews I read and heard from other hikers. They all indicated that if the weather is good, the views are breathtaking. Saturday was going to be a clear day, and the trailhead is for the Ira Spring trail to Mason Lake and Bandera Mountain, making it one of the popular trailheads in the area. So I figured the trail would be busy and the parking lot full, but I figured that setting off at 7 AM to get a good spot at the trailhead parking lot would do the trick. Nope. When I arrived at 8 AM I found just one parking spot and a line for the single toilet.

The author, (Glenn Barfield) hiking up a rocky path, above the cloud layer and with Mt Rainier in the background.

Loading up my gear I started up the trail which starts off along the old logging road many of our trails around here are based on. The grade is easy, the trail well maintained, and mostly free of rocks and roots. You will get to a juncture where the trail goes to the left and transitions from easy to moderate. It was at this point that I entered the cloud cover. Some folks don’t like the grey and dark green colours we enjoy here on the western slopes of the Cascades, but I love them. Something beautiful about being surrounded by the forest and mist that speaks to me in a language I can’t translate.

A steep trail going up through the forest on the Bandera Mt. Trail.

The trail was very well populated by a variety of hikers of many different levels of experience. Some were heading to Mason Lake to camp for the night, others to just enjoy the day. Others were heading up to Bandera Mountain and those folks were generally more experienced. The trail takes you to a T intersection, left for Mason Lake, and right up the mountain to Little Bandera and Bandera Mountain. I followed the path up to the right and immediately felt the difference between moderate and hard. For much of the trail, you are gaining a foot for every two feet forward. The cloud density was thicker too, and it was a little cooler because of it but I was still sweating a good deal from exertion.

The author (Glenn Barfield) smiling and wearing sunglasses, and a bandana on a rocky trail up to Bandera Mt.

Finally breaking free of the clouds, I first saw the peaks of mountains across the valley that I-90 runs through, and shortly after, the clouds revealed Mt. Rainier in all its magnificent glory. Fully into the sunshine now I quickly regretted forgetting my sunblock. That higher alpine sunshine is ruthless on us redheads. My hiking poles were getting a serious workout, which may explain their breaking later.

A view from the trail to Bandera Mt, above the cloud layer with Mt Rainier in the distance.

Arriving at Little Bandera (false peak) I found it crowded with lots of folks enjoying the view of Mt. Rainier and eating lunch. It seemed a little too crowded for me, so I decided to press on to the true peak of Bandera Mountain. This was difficult as the trail isn’t as frequently traveled and thus easy to lose. I was able to align my path and the trail using the GPS on my phone and finally arrived at Bandera Mountain. The view was stunning. Mt. Rainier to the south of me seemed to be floating on a sea of clouds and stood out against the blue sky brilliantly. I settled down to have lunch, (Instant ramen noodles, some left of chicken tossed in and water) and take in the view. I don’t care how good a restaurant may be, none can compare to lunch atop a mountain with a view like that.

The author (Glenn Barfield) holding his hands up high celebrating his successful ascent to the top of Mt. Bandera with the clouds and Mt. Rainier in the background.

After a while, I felt my skin starting to burn a little and decided to pack everything up and head home. About thirty feet from the summit, as I traversed a narrow path with a long drop down a ravine on my left, both hiking poles broke. Stumbling to my left I slide a few feet down the ravine before catching a small tree and stopping my slide. It’s a good thing no one was around because the swear words were flying as bad as when I was in the Navy. Clambering up the slope I regained the trail assessed my condition and finding nothing too badly damaged I trudged on.


I made my way back to Little Bandera and offered to trade my camera tripod for a pair of hiking poles or perhaps borrow a pair until I made it down the mountain. Trail folks are some of the nicest people you will ever meet and two guys, Eric and Pat, offered to loan me a pair of poles and walk back down the mountain with me. The three of us, and Eric’s dog Barley, had a great time chatting about hikes, dogs, politics and various subjects as we returned to the trailhead. Definitely one of the best hikes I’ve enjoyed in a long time thanks to those too.

Eric and Pat, along with Barney the very helpful medium sized dog,

If you want to see the hike, you can find it on YouTube at https://youtu.be/ghvr0eCeuiU


A man breaking into a car.

If you love hiking, you may have returned to the trailhead only to find that someone has broken into your car and stolen your belongings. Or you know someone that has. It’s a terrible way to end a beautiful day, and it can cost a lot of money and hassle to fix the damage and replace your items. This happened to my wife and I late last year at a popular hiking trail. The thief was able to rack up a few hundred dollars in purchases using her credit cards before we discovered the theft.


Unfortunately, car break-ins at trailheads are becoming increasingly common, especially near urban areas where thieves can easily access the parking lots. Most trailheads do not have security cameras or guards, so it’s up to you to take precautions to avoid becoming a victim.


In this post, I will share with you ten tips to prevent car break-ins at a trailhead, based on my experience and research. These tips will help you deter potential thieves and protect your valuables while you enjoy your hike.


Tip #1: Lock your car and don’t leave your key in the gas cap or wheel well

This may seem obvious, but locking your car is the first and most basic step to prevent car break-ins. Some people may argue that leaving your car unlocked will prevent thieves from breaking your window, but this is not a good idea. If you leave your car unlocked, you are inviting anyone to take whatever they want from your car, even if it’s just a headlamp or a water bottle. You also risk someone hotwiring your car and driving away with it.

Another common mistake is leaving your key in the gas cap or wheel well. This is a very risky practice, as thieves know exactly where to look for keys. If they find your key, they can easily unlock your car and take everything inside. They can also drive away with your car or use it as a getaway vehicle.

The best thing to do is to lock your car and take your key with you. If you don’t want to carry your whole keychain with you, just take the individual car key and maybe your house key. You can also get a small pouch or belt clip to store your key securely while you hike.


Tip #2: Keep valuables out of your car or hide them before arriving at the trailhead

One of the main reasons why thieves target cars at trailheads is because they see valuables inside them. Laptops, wallets, purses, phones, cameras, and other expensive items are very tempting for thieves who are looking for a quick score. If they see something valuable in plain sight, they will not hesitate to smash your window or pop the lock and grab it.


The best way to avoid this is to keep valuables out of your car. If possible, leave them at home or in a safe place where you are staying. If you need to bring them with you, hide them in your trunk or out-of-sight before arriving at the trailhead. Don’t wait until you get there to stash them under the seat or in the glove compartment, as thieves may be watching you. Make sure nothing valuable is visible from the outside of your car.


Tip #3: Keep unnecessary gear at home or get window tints or DIY curtains to keep them out of sight

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you may have a lot of gear in your car that you don’t need for every hike. For example, if you are into climbing, biking, skiing, or fishing, you may have equipment that is bulky or hard to hide in your car. While these items may not be as valuable as electronics or cash, they can still attract thieves who may think they can sell them or use them for themselves.


The best way to avoid this is to keep unnecessary gear at home. Only bring what you need for each hike and leave the rest behind. If you can’t do that, consider getting window tints or DIY curtains to cover your windows and block the view of what’s inside your car. Window tints are relatively cheap and easy to install, and they can also protect your car from sun damage and heat. DIY curtains can be made from any fabric or material that matches your car color and can be attached with velcro or magnets.


Tip #4: Take the least impressive vehicle to the trailhead

Another factor that can influence whether thieves target your car or not is how impressive it looks. Thieves may assume that a newer, fancier, or more expensive car has more valuables inside than an older, simpler, or cheaper one.


If you have more than one vehicle or if you are carpooling with friends, consider taking the least impressive vehicle to the trailhead. This may deter thieves from choosing your car over others that look more appealing. Of course, this does not mean that you should ignore the rest of the tips listed, as any car can be broken into regardless of its appearance.


Tip #5: Situational awareness

Sometimes, thieves may try to trick you by pretending to be friendly hikers who want to chat with you at the trailhead. They may ask you how long you plan to be gone, what trail you are taking, where you are from, or other seemingly harmless questions. While they do this, they may be looking for clues about what’s in your car or where you have hidden your key.


While it’s nice to be polite and friendly with fellow hikers, be careful of any stranger who engages you in conversation at the trailhead. Follow your gut instinct and look for signs that they may have ulterior motives. For example:

  • Do they seem overly interested in your plans or personal details?

  • Do they keep looking at your car or other cars in the parking lot?

  • Do they have any hiking gear with them or look like they are ready for a hike?

  • Do they have any visible tattoos, scars, or marks that could identify them later?

  • Do they have another person waiting nearby or in another vehicle?

If something feels off about the encounter, end the conversation politely and walk away. You can also hang around the trailhead and observe their behavior for a few minutes before starting your hike. Or you can start your hike and then come back shortly after to check on your car.


Tip #6: Choose the most visible parking spaces and park under lights when available

Another way to deter thieves from breaking into your car is to choose parking spaces that are highly visible and well-lit. Thieves prefer dark and secluded spots where they can work without being seen or interrupted by other hikers or passersby. Parking in open and bright areas makes it harder for them to approach and damage your car without being noticed.


When choosing a parking space at the trailhead:

  • Park as close as possible to the entrance or exit of the parking lot.

  • Park near other cars that look occupied or well-maintained.

  • Park under lights if available (especially if hiking at night).

  • Park facing outward so that anyone approaching from behind will be seen by others.

  • Avoid parking near bushes, trees, walls, dumpsters, or other objects that could provide cover for thieves.


Tip #7: Take pictures of anyone or anything that seems out-of-place at the trailhead

If you see someone or something suspicious at the trailhead:

  • Take pictures of them with their license plate if possible.

  • Report them to the police or park rangers if available.

  • Warn other hikers about them if appropriate.

Taking pictures of potential thieves can serve several purposes:

  • It can scare them off by letting them know that you are aware of their presence and have evidence against them.

  • It can help identify them later if they do break into your car or someone else’s.

  • It can provide proof for insurance claims or police reports if needed.

Of course, taking pictures of potential thieves can also be risky, as they may react aggressively or even violently if they notice you. Prioritize your safety and keep a safe distance from them. You should also avoid confronting them directly or accusing them of anything. Instead, call the police or park rangers and let them handle the situation.


Tip #8: Do not approach a car prowler in progress, observe from a safe distance and call the police

If you witness a car prowler in progress, either breaking into your car or someone else’s, do not approach them or try to stop them. This can be very dangerous, as they may be armed or violent. They may also have accomplices nearby who could join the fight or escape with the stolen items.


The best thing to do is to observe the crime from a safe distance and gather as much information as possible. For example:

  • What do they look like (gender, age, height, weight, clothing, tattoos, etc.)?

  • What are they doing (smashing windows, picking locks, grabbing items, etc.)?

  • What kind of vehicle are they using (make, model, color, license plate, etc.)?

  • How many of them are there and where are they located?

Then, call the police or park rangers and report the crime as soon as possible. Provide them with all the details you have observed and follow their instructions. If possible, take pictures or videos of the crime scene and the suspects for evidence.


Tip #9: Report car break-ins to the police whether you plan to make an insurance claim or not

If you discover that your car has been broken into after your hike, you should always report it to the police whether you plan to make an insurance claim or not. Reporting car break-ins can help the police track down thieves and recover your items. It can also help them identify crime patterns and hotspots and increase patrols and security measures at those locations.


To report a car break-in:

  • Call 911 if it is an emergency or if the suspects are still nearby.

  • Call the non-emergency number of the local police department if it is not an emergency or if the suspects are gone.

  • Provide them with your name, location, vehicle information, and a description of what happened and what was stolen.

  • Ask for a case number and a copy of the police report for your records.

  • Contact your insurance company if you have coverage for theft or vandalism and file a claim.


Tip #10: Don't advertise your hike

Avoid leaving signs in your car that indicate your hiking plans or destination. This can alert potential thieves that you won't be back for a while and make your car a more tempting target. For example, if you leave a map, a guidebook, or a note in your car that indicates your hiking plans or destination, thieves can infer how far you are going and how long it will take you to return. This can make your car a more tempting target than others that have less or no signs of hiking plans.



Summary

Car break-ins at trailheads are a common and frustrating problem for hikers. By following these tips, we can all reduce the risk of becoming a victim and enjoy our hikes with peace of mind.

Remember:

  • Lock your car and don’t leave your key in the gas cap or wheel well.

  • Keep valuables out of your car or hide them in your trunk or out-of-sight before arriving at the trailhead.

  • Keep unnecessary gear at home or get window tints or DIY curtains to keep them out of sight.

  • Take the least impressive vehicle to the trailhead if you have the option.

  • Be leery of any stranger who engages you in friendly conversation at the trailhead and observe their behavior.

  • Choose the most visible parking spaces and park under lights when available.

  • Take pictures of anyone or anything that seems out-of-place at the trailhead.

  • Do not approach a car prowler in progress but observe from a safe distance and call the police.

  • Report car break-ins to the police whether you plan to make an insurance claim or not.

  • Don’t advertise where you’re going or how long you’ll be gone.

I hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you and you never have to deal with a car break-in. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. See you out there! 😊


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