OTT Take 2: Day 3: Charlton Camp to Soda Creek Campground

Okay, so Day 3 was rad! The plan was originally to go about 27 miles - a mix of single track and dirt roads mixed in. We hit 10 by 10:00 on flowy up and down trails. It was tiring on the legs but overall really fun with some rad descents. I would definitely go back there to ride without a loaded pack!

We planned to pick up a resupply at mile 16 of the day at Cultus Lake. We also had planned to have lunch there, but unfortunately, the Cafe is closed on Tuesdays - so make sure to check that before you plan on going there! We did pick up our resupply though and they were nice enough to let us sort everything in their dining room, which was great because it was really windy outside with a storm coming in hot. The nice gal at cultus Lake resort recommended that we go to Elk Lake for some food, so we went out of our way and bypassed Lava Lake where we were originally going to camp for the nigh t and hopped the Cascade Lakes Hwy and headed to Elk Lake.

The lake was beautiful and we got some elk burgers and cider. With full tummies, we decided to keep on trekking, which my legs did not approve of. We continued on the hwy and all the long up and down rollers with a brutal headwind. As you can imagine, all the food in my tummy plus the shining sun did not make for a comfortable ride.

Eventually, mostly cause everyone was pretty blown, we decided to stop at Soda Creek Campground, which is next to Sparks Lake. The views were out fo this world! We could see direct views of South Sister and Broken Top. We got to stick our legs in the winding creek and enjoy the glowing twilight.

I think the next day was on everyone’s minds as we settled in for the night. We were going to try to avoid a snow/thunderstorm. Originally we were going to camp at Three Creeks Campground, but it is at really high elevation and with snow, that didn’t sound too delightful. So, the plan was to push ahead to Sisters, which would make a very long day! My legs were tired, as usual, and so after some goofing off and stream laundry, we settled in for the night.

Soda Creek with views of South Sister and Broken Top