Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF, Washington
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Hidden Lake Trail Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF, Washington |
August 14, 2013
Having been compelled to abort my planned tour-de-force
in British Columbia due to car troubles, I am headed homeward.
For my first-ever hike in Washington state, I had planned to
try the Cascade Pass Trail, the most popular destination in the North
Cascades. Unbeknownst to me, however, the road was washed out
three days ago. Needing to do something today, I have opted for
Plan-B, another nearby trail that is steeper and longer; so I
might go only part of the way on this one.
After passing the silly sign, the rest of the access route is relatively
delightful. For most of the way up the two-track, I am able to
proceed at up to 25 miles per hour, which is a lot for this type of road.
Self-canceling phrase of the day
At the trailhead
There are a dozen cars here already. As suggested by a park ranger, many who normally would go to Cascade Pass will be coming here instead. It is almost completely overcast today; I hope it doesn't rain.
Getting started
Right away, I am slowed down by an older gentleman who needs two walking sticks to help him across a creek. Shortly up the way, a lengthy boardwalk provides easy passage across a wet area.
Tough crossing
Easy crossing
After some walking in the forest and another couple-hundred yards of
well-constructed boardwalks, I encounter a meadow that stretches
as far as I can see along the West Fork of Sibley Creek.
Is this Washington, or am I in Hawaii?
This garden is wonderful
Of course, along with the lushness come the mosquitos and some other bugs; they aren't bothering me much, though.
Those mountains are in the park
Cascade Penstemon
Harebell
A woman hiker is tooling down the trail. I cleverly quip, "Am I there yet?" Her response is, "About halfway", which unfortunately corroborates the numbers on my GPS. I have climbed some 1,500 feet, or about half the total to the ridge top. If the sun were out, I would complete the climb regardless, not wishing to repeat my regrettable decision over at Gimli Ridge two days ago. The North Cascades National Park boundary is right up there, and the view of Hidden Lake is known to be a worthwhile objective.
This time I have a better excuse for turning back, however. Tomorrow
I'll be doing a first-ever walk with my sister Virginia and her family,
so I don't want to wear myself out today. I will turn back here, content
with what I have done under the circumstances.
Half a hill is better than none
Mount Baker to the north
Still a long way down
Splendor in the grass
Oh, no! Here come those old guys that I passed early on. The man who seemingly couldn't make it across the creek without a pair of canes is going all the way to the top, instead of me.
He wasn't so inept after all
A nice cascade across the way
Fireweed invariably steals the show
Alpine Asters
Thimbleberry
Great Purple Monkeyflower
Back on the multi-tiered boardwalk
Unlike the difficult downhill at Gimli Ridge, this descent is a cakewalk. Albeit steep, the trail is soft and easy on the feet, and there aren't many obstacles.
Finishing up
§: I expected it to be green here, but I didn't anticipate
the biggest garden I ever have seen. Today's trail was comprised
only of earth and pine needles, which was delightful. It's a shame
that one cannot have better control over the weather around here.
| Scenery |  |
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| Personality | |
| Flowers |  |
| Solitude | |
