Jackson Lake

Saturday, we launched at the Signal Mountain Boat Ramp into Jackson Lake about 10:30am and paddled the 1-mile crossing to Donoho Island.  It was sunny and bright with reflection calm waters surrounded by mountains.  The ranger that inspected our kayaks told me there were no elk or bear sightings reported on the island.  From our campsite, the shoreline is rocky apron with a steep bank, not very convenient for coming down to the water for a drink.

Calm at the Signal Mountain Boat Ramp

Camper Cargo Boat

Reflections

The Big Picture

Good Day for a Paddle

We circled around the south end of Donoho checking out the rounded rocks with some dark porous volcanic rocks here and there.  The water was very clear and brought out the many colors of the rocks.  The water got deep quickly along the steep banks and we could see down perhaps 15-feet.

High Banks

Volcanic Rock

Colorful Rounded Rocks

Continuing north along the west side, the water got more shallow with the land sloping more gradually to a shoreline with much smaller rocks.  There were many opportunities for animals swimming to the island to access the forest and meadows but we saw no animal trails.  There were also no primitive campsites.  The ranger had also told me that no camping was allowed on Donoho.

Shallower Water

Looking North

Shadow

Great Reflection

There were more coves along the west side and approaching the final cove at the northern end, Sheila spotted a bald eagle sitting about half way up in a dead tree.  His head was white and his tail had some short white feathers.  He watched us posing unperturbed.  At the northern shore were 6 Canada Geese that took flight as we approached.  

Young Eagle

Great Pose

Canada Geese

The eastern shore quickly turned back to high banks again with deep water close to shore.  From here we had a good view of the Signal Mountain Marina, Restaurant, Lodge and Cottages.  The calm reflective waters were soon disrupted by a jet boat pulling a water skier.  We stayed close to the island heading south till we were directly across from the marina to make our crossing.  The jet boat came by between us and the island shortly after we started.  I was just behind Sheila in single file formation to increase our visibility.  The boat had a driver and a spotter but they passed closer than I thought showed good judgement.

Signal Mountain Lodge & Cottages

Restaurant

We got some photos of the Signal Mountain complex and our campsite as we approached and then turned southward along the shoreline.  There is a picnic area in the campground near our site and then the bank gets 25-feet high on the way back to the boat ramp.  There was a camper with his chair we could see that said he had the best view in the campground.

Marina Anchorage

Campsite 11

View from Our Shore

Back at the ramp, boat trailers were lined up waiting to launch with more water skiing types.  Good time to get our kayaks out of the water, but we had 2 quiet, very enjoyable hours out on the lake.