Dan and I jumped into the Jeep and headed to Bolan Lake Campground Sunday, Aug. 11 to celebrate our friend Amy Lusson’s birthday.
I couldn’t believe after living in the Valley for 13 years that I had not made it yet to this beautiful lake in the forest. I was happy to go on another Valley adventure and especially wanted to see the progress on the new Bolan Lookout. The former Lookout was destroyed in the Slater Fire in 2020.
On the drive, it was interesting to see the damage done to the forest from the Slater Fire and how nature slowly revives itself with new growth, including many vibrant wildflowers.
Directions: From Cave Junction, travel south on U.S. Highway 199 to O’Brien, OR. Turn left (east) onto County Roads 5560 and 55. After 6 miles, the road becomes Forest Service Road 48. (Dan and I took Holland Loop to Takilma Rd. until the four corners and then turned left on Hampy Camp Rd. toward the Sno Park.) Travel 7 miles and turn onto Forest Service Road 4812. Continue 4 miles to Bolan Lake.
Although driving through the burnt trees is kind of gloomy, it is nice when you get to the Bolan Lake Campground and see all the green trees that survived the fire.
According to Lusson, who camped at the lake, there is a 0.6-mile loop trail around Bolan Lake that you can hike. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 13 minutes to complete. This trail is great for walking and wildflower viewing.
Dan was sorry that he didn’t get a fishing license, because there is trout in the lake. We watched some fisherman in their rowboat and others along the shore, reeling in the fish. It was a relaxing time at the lake and on our way home we witnessed a gorgeous sunset through the eerie-looking blackened trees.
Hiking Tip: Always have sun and bug protection.
The sun can be harsh, so make sure you are protected from it. Having a nice wide brim hat when hiking will keep the sun off your face.
Apply sunscreen every couple of hours to protect your skin and wear polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes. I have a little tube of sunscreen that permanently lives in my hiking backpack and I top it up before every hike.
Wearing longer clothing that is UPF protected will help with the sun’s rays. Don’t forget a chapstick for your lips. They can burn too.
If you are hiking in an area with a lot of insects or mosquitos (they are the worst), then don’t forget some natural insect repellent.