Big Elk: Sky High Valley
![Image](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZ0km0vfnLl-D1MPuRE3Lq6C7V3mSMC_IUNtaMFiwVfIYWt-yQnQj59sLYH6IrdhtJGntbaauQFaZGDBcgagSSePUN5VBwlYxfz8zS08SM5NHtzdN30a268PMtBafU2ku7DjSC7Kgy5B4ViKCl8GqIyqPSTv2RWOPbkJz0zJWgDADlV4k6strZy3Bfys/s1280/066-overview.jpg)
Klamath National Forest (dark purple, map link ) DAY 1 | DAY 2-3 | DAY 4 | DAY 5-7 This third day was a rest day with people allowed to wander off on their own (or in groups) to do what they want and see what they might. I was rather uncertain what it was I wanted to do with it, but finally came down on the side of going to the top of Elk Peak, which is a p1k that I didn't have time for while passing by 2.5 years ago . I was hesitant because, again, the stretch of Haypress Trail that gets there is just not so nice, especially near Whiskey Camp. Over by the lakes to the west, it's wonderful. This bit gets a yuck. And it was even smokier. Morning on Big Elk Lake and even the near stuff seems a little smoky. We had a message that the Forest was removing their crews from the Wilderness. And what does that mean for us? If they've just decided they suddenly have different priorities for how they use their paid employees, it means nothing. If they've decid