Scottish Lakes High Camp
January 2nd - 5th, 2006
By Adrienne Sherred
Heads down, hoods up. Left, right. Has it already been four hours since we left the cars? Left, right. Conversation has for the most part been reduced to the question that is on everyone's minds, "How much further do you think it is?" Left, right. The mountains are shrouded in a thick maze of clouds and mist, as if they are keeping their beauty a mystery for us to discover only after we have earned it. Left, right. My mind is racing with thoughts of powder lines, wood burning hot tubs and good food, when the smell of smoke stops me in my tracks. Looking up, I am rewarded with seeing a variety of small cabins tucked into a large stand of trees. We've made it. The Scottish Lakes adventure has begun.
Located just east of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, Scottish Lakes High Camp is the gateway to some of the most spectacular scenery and terrain Washington's Central Cascades has to offer. Access to High Camp is via an eight-mile private road. Guests can choose to ski or snowshoe in or catch a ride on a snowcat or snowmobile. High Camp consists of nine rustic cabins, each with it's own wood burning stove and stocked kitchen, a comfortable day lodge, hot tub and sauna. 
The outstanding staff members go out of their way to make sure your stay is a memorable one. We were giddy to find mints on all of our pillows when we arrived, just one of the small gestures that make this place a unique treasure.
After our first night, we are pleasantly surprised to wake up to five inches of fresh snow covering our porch outside the cabin door. We fuel up on pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice before heading out to Lake Julias, our first objective of the trip. Located off of McCue Ridge, Lake Julias sits in an amphitheater of steep, forested slopes interlaced with open glades. My heart is racing with anticipation as I tear off my skins, replace sunglasses with goggles and lock down my heels in preparation to ski. Peering over the edge of the ridge, I scope out a line, take a deep breath and push off into 2 feet of effortless powder. My skis navigate through tight trees, into glades, over small drops and 
finally stop in a small stand of Evergreens. I give an enthusiastic "Whoop", signaling my partners that I've made it down safely. We do another lap before calling it a day and heading back to the cabin. The evening is filled with over flowing wine glasses, full bellies and hours spent in the sauna and hot tub. Before the night is over, the stars begin to slowly reveal themselves, paving the way for another amazing day.
Our second day greets us with blue bird skies and expansive views of the Chiwakum Mountain Range. The range is full of steep fluted lines, magnificent bowls and large cliff bands, resembling mountains found in Alaska. Our day is spent soaking up the sunshine while skiing mellow glades on the north side of Chiwakum Creek. We arrive back at the cabins a little earlier than the day before to take advantage of our last night there. Some of us head over to the cozy comfort of the main lodge for hot chocolate and a game of Yahtzee. Others grab a Guinness and head straight for the hot tub to relax sore muscles and worn out feet.
The morning we leave, the mountains have gone back into hiding behind a thick wall of low hanging clouds. Everyone is slow to get up, not really wanting to head back down to the cars. A few people motivate to get one last run down the gentle slopes of McCue Ridge, eventually picking their way through small Christmas-size trees located on the infamous Wild Bill Hill, located directly behind High Camp. Once the group is back together, we strap on our packs and say good-bye to the staff members. A smile spreads across everyone's face as John says what is on everyone's mind, "We'll be back."
Watch for guided trips to Scottish Lakes Hight Camp winter 06/07
