Hand Lake Shelter, Willamette National Forest

On a toasty 8/8/26, Lion's Gate Day if you're into astrology, I hiked into the Hand Lake Shelter from the McKenzie Highway. The lake was nowhere to be seen. I imagined many generations of little kids being brought here by their parents. I also imagined more than a few teens camping at the shelter on their own, sampling the thrill of being away from the adult world. Turns out, Stratton and Summer did go here as young children, with Geo. The pointed finger of Mount Washington and a large lava flow were visible to the east, giving a Lord of the Rings air to the place. A good place to let the imagination to roam.