Blair Lake is located deep in the Oregon Cascades near the town of Oakridge, in the Willamette National Forest. Although a distant cousin of the Clackamas Watershed, the ecosystems are very similar and comprise almost the same tree species and elevations. In spite of similarities, each forest is very unique with no two alike anywhere in the world.
While climbing the sides of Mule Mountain, I was struck by the amazing size of ancient trees, well above 5000' in an area sure to have a deep winter snowpack. Blair and her November coat are still, raindrenched, and hushed to the autumn tones that seem to await winter's blanket with a soft and giddy anticipation.
"All's well that ends well"
