WHERE: From Carson Washington follow Wind River Road to FSR 30
which you will follow north (follow signs to Sawtooth Berry Fields and you will
reach the trailhead as the road reaches a crest at the aptly named Pacific Crest
Trail.
THE TRAIL: The trail begins at about 4300 feet elevation and peaks
at about 5300 feet if you take the Sawtooth mountain detour. This section
of the trail is full of Huckleberry and Blueberry. After just over 3 miles
there is a trail heading down to Wood Lake which lies at the edge of the Indian
Heaven Plateau. The area north and east of Sawtooth Mountain is known as
the Sawtooth Berry feilds and there is a "handshake" agreement that was made
between the US. government and the Yakima nation which allowed the native
americans exclusive berry picking rights on the left side of the old forest road
#30 if you are heading east of the cascade crest. Of course the are plenty
of berries on the other side of the road as well. The trail itself offers
a few nice views toward Mt. Adams but generally lies under a forest of Mountain
Hemlock, Sub-Alpine fir, Whitebark Pine and Yellow Cedar.