Monday's group of 16 consisted of the hearty and adventurous geared up for whatever the weather might bring. The day's temperatures ranged from the 30s to the low 40s and new snow dusted the surrounding hills.

We took Highway 66 a few miles to the first turnoff for Emigrant Lake and parked in front of the dam. As we were getting ready, homemade
cookies were passed out to the hikers.

From the parking lot TH, we climbed up to the top of the earthen dam. There we saw the small remains of the lake after the summer drought.

The reduced size of the lake offered hiking opportunities on trails that are normally underwater.

But first, we crossed the dam in not much wind and entered the oak grove on the other side. The dirt trail now muddy from earlier rain, caused caution to take it slow not to slip. The trail delivered us to the old Pioneer Cemetery (or Hill Cemetery named after the Pioneer family that donated the land site).

We pushed the narrow gate open and entered to view the historic headstones from the 1850s emigrants.

After a while, it was time to get back on the trail and continue our exploring. As we descended to the lakebed we saw both golden fall oaks and the white dusting of snow in the hills.

Mud was the order of the day as it caked onto our hiking boots. But the spirit of adventure is strong in this group so we continued on towards Emigrant Creek at the low point of the missing lake. The creek split a gap in an asphalt road that we realized was old Highway 99.

After observing the creek, the group wanted to venture on and cross it and continue up the old road.

The conversation turned to questions about an old town by the Highway before the reservoir was filled. Google searches on phones came up with the name Klamath Junction that had a gas station, a tourist center, and a dance hall. It also had the original location of the Pioneer Cemetery that was moved before the 1960 new dam flooded the area. (Here's a link to an article about Klamath Junction. https://www.highonadventure.com/Hoa05dec/LanceDec05/Klamath%20Junction.htm)

It was a special day of discovery, having hiked across the lake when the lake wasn't there. Now it was time for lunch so we wandered up to a big rock outcropping for our lunch spot...just as the sun came out from the clouds.

We had no rain or snow during the hike just so low temps that made for good hiking weather. We went 3 miles and 100' of gain with our share of muddy boots.

Posthike seven gathered at Rogue Valley Roasting Co. for more conversation and refreshments.

Happy Trails,
Rich