Research in Jefferson Park - another study to tell us what we already know?

Jefferson Park and Mt. Jefferson

Sometimes you have to wonder about scientific studies and the resources spent to research things that seem to be obvious. You also have to wonder how some conclusions are ascertained. Here is one of those instances.

According to a study by Oregon State University, funded by the Pacific Northwest Research Station and published in Landscape Ecology, high mountain meadows in the Pacific Northwest are declining rapidly due to climate change. An article written by Phys.org says the study cites factors such as reduced snowpack and longer growing seasons as reasons for trees to encroach on meadows.

Scout Lake in Jefferson Park

A walk into Eight Lakes Basin, Mt. Jefferson Wilderness

Jorn Lake, Mt. Jefferson Wilderness

Many moons ago and after hiking and backpacking for some time, I finally convinced my bride to join me on a weekend backpack trip to Duffy Lake, located in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. The plan was to hike 3.5 miles into the lake and set up a base camp. From there, we could set out and explore nearby lakes such as Mowich and Santiam.

Oregon's Olallie Lake Scenic Area - an outdoor lover's paradise

Ollalie Butte with Mt. Hood in the distance and Olallie and Monon lakes behind trees to the left

High atop Oregon's Cascade Mountains is a magical area where lava and ice have sculpted a landscape filled with high buttes and shallow basins. Ripples along the surface of over 200 lakes and tarns dance at the feet of high cliffs and cinder cones. Plump huckleberries flourish beneath lodgepole pines adorned with lichen, and colorful meadows sweep away the forest, giving breathtaking views of nearby Mt. Jefferson and Olallie Butte. One of the most accessible high lake regions along the crest of the Oregon Cascades, this place, known as the Olallie Lake Scenic Area, is truly an outdoor lover's paradise.