Deciduous Denizens LbNA #42556

While the Pacific Northwest is known for its extensive evergreen forests, many lovely deciduous trees can also be found here. All the stamps in this series page homage to these denizens of the Cascade Mountains and all the boxes are hidden near trail junctions.

Park off Hwy 26 at the Frog Lake Sno Park and head north on the Pacific Crest Trail. All of these letterboxes could be found on a long day hike loop (7-8 miles) but are best found as part of a relatively easy overnight backpack trip. A trail map would be very helpful.

Dogwood- where 495 meets 2000, take thirty steps toward the lakes. Look between the diamonds, behind a rock.

Red Alder- Continue toward the lakes. Approaching a perfect backpackers campsite you must choose between frogs and twins. Head toward the amphibian. A short distance along the eastern shore, a snag stands to your left beside its living brother, a reclining “V” (or is it an X or maybe a Y?) at their feet. Look beside the snag, behind bark.

A side trip will take you to the upper lake where you can find a pair of junctions along 533. One will send you toward a palm tree and he other to the owl bar.

Choose the palm and you will find Vine Maple. Take twenty-five steps uphill to a large fir standing beside a boulder. Look at the feet of the tree, behind rocks.

Choose the bird and you will find Aspen. Take fifty steps away from water to a large rock. Look beneath bark.

White Oak- From the lower lake, head for an elevated junction. Where 484 meets 530 take forty steps toward the wet frog. Look at the base of a hollow spire, beneath bark.