Labor Day 2023

Each year when Labor Day rolls around, it signals the unofficial end to summer for many people.  For those of us who don't enjoy recreating among hoards of people, it's the last torturous march of the Jerry patrol before trail traffic eases and we stand a chance of having some lesser known hikes mostly to ourselves, at least on weekdays.  Last year we backpacked into Pipe Lake, just off the PCT near White Pass.  We were lucky to have a secluded campsite and only a few quiet people across the lake (though we did later run into a sketchy backcountry militia camp).  It's an easy hike in, about 5.5 miles with a stream crossing and only one short section of any notable elevation gain.  Unfortunately, the weather for the weekend did not look promising past Sunday afternoon, which thwarted our plans for a more ambitious alpine trip for some possible golden trout, so we settled for an overnighter with hopes of similar solitude.  We arrived early to the trailhead and were able to park on the side of the highway, passing through the campground to hit the trail.  We made quick work of the stream crossing and incline section, before taking a left at the Cramer Lake junction and heading toward Dumbbell Lake.  We paused at lake for a brief period as last year when we hiked past, it was socked in, and we could barely see anything.  It's a nice looking lake with some convenient campsites which were already occupied by backpackers.  Away from the lake we reached a junction with the PCT and headed north, reaching Pipe Lake just a few short minutes later where some kids were fishing (loudly).  We could see our campsite from the previous year was available, so we skirted the lake on a user trail before descending back toward the lake and setting up our campsite.  There is a large group campsite across the lake, and there was a multigenerational family group set up, music blaring, kids screaming, and grandpas deciding to skinny dip to try and impress some PCTers who had stopped for a break and to filter some water.  In short, they were all disgusting people who had little regard for anyone around them, and unfortunately, the sound carried loudly across the lake, right to our campsite.  Fortunately, they quieted down for a couple of hours mid-day, but it was short lived.  We tried to make the best of it, but honestly, it was pretty unenjoyable and we couldn't wait for it to get dark.  We fished for a while, each catching good sized cutthroat on dry flies.  We ate dinner by the lake and watched the sun go down behind the trees and the lake turn tranquil.  The lake turned tranquil, the backcountry Clampetts did not.  It is always disappointing to be in a beautiful place to enjoy the scenery and environment and wanting to leave because there are inconsiderate people who only care about their own experience.  I wish I could say they quieted down as it got dark and we climbed into our tent to sleep, but they did not.  We rose early, enjoyed some peace and quiet with a side of oatmeal before packing up and heading out to enjoy the rest of the weekend at home, noting signs of impending fall in the crisp morning air and bronzing trail foliage.