More blueberries per square foot than I've ever seen anywhere in the Cascades! The Foss River road is in good shape right up to the junction to 6830 which is also in great shape right up to the Tonga Ridge trailhead. There is limited parking. The trail is well graded and drained but the bracken and brush are encroaching again. There are a few blowdowns that still have to be cleared. Nice views to the west of Malachite, Bald Eagle, and Silver Eagle peaks. Pass the stone steps that start up Mt. Sawyer at 2 miles from the trailhead. At 3 miles come to Sawyer Pass. There the blueberry abundance will ensnare most hikers and they will forget time and destination while feasting.

To go to Fisher Lake is tricky. Procede along the main path (there are many braided paths in the pass) to a sign pointing left for Deception Creek. Don't go there. Turn right and go 100 feet to another junction. Turn left and go 25 feet to another junction. Take the right fork and follow it through more blueberries until it starts climbing up a rocky, rooty washout that used to be a trail. At the top of the hill it levels out to beautiful meadows of blueberry bushes with bright red leaves and dark blue fruit. Climb a second small hill, note two ponds on the left and another broad meadow. The trail is clear and doglegs to the right, over an old tree trunk and then left for the final steep climb. From the top is an easy, if rooty trail down 1/2 mile to Fisher Lake. The lake itself is large, cool, and clear. A great place for lunch.

What a great day for a hike. Clouds were rolling in back in town but it was sunny in the mountains! I made for the Tonga Ridge with climbing Mt. Sawyer in mind. The road up to the trail was an easy drive and offered glimpses of the mountain ridges I would be seeing. I arrived at the trailhead and counted 9 other vehicles. While it should have been busy I encountered very few people. The Tonga ridge trail started off with a quick climb through cool forest. At the top of the first hill I found 3 people working on the trail. Thank you guys for maintaining the trail. As the trail progressed I went through shady and open spots with great views of the mountain ridges. I crossed over 3 fallen trees that I literally stepped over and these were the only real obsticles I encounter the whole hike. The only bummer on the trail were the pockets of flies that would swarm me when I paused for a break sometimes. About 2 miles in I came across a meadow with wildflowers wanning fast, however there were plenty of ripe huckleberries from here on out and I helped myself a few times.

Right after the meadow I found the steep trail to Mt. Sawyer marked by a couple medium rocks and a small pink ribbon. The spur trail leveled off quick but left the fairly shady Tonga Ridge Trail behind for an open slope. Here the mountain view really kicked in! After about 1/2 hour I reached the top Mt. Sawyer and took in a 160 degree view of mountain, ridges, and the forest valleys below. This trail was worth the effort in the warm sun. Bring water lots of water if its warm, you'll want it. On the way back I passed one lady on the way down and another group coming up. For all the cars at the trailhead I sure felt like I had the place to myself.

Armed with 40% DEET, my 7YO son and I drove up the fire roads to the Tonga Ridge Trailhead. Alas, we could have used a higher percentage...no bites, but the black flies loved landing on us. It's a wonderful hike for a sturdy kid, but make sure he or she doesn't freak out when surrounded by insects.

The trail was in great shape, with only a couple of minor limbs/blowdowns slowing us down. The wildflowers and huckleberries are fading...looks to have been an early berry season. The bears have been out in force as well. We saw scat of various composition at six different locations.

Kudos to the gentleman we met while heading up the ridge...he pulled out his pennywhistle and gave us some delightful Irish melodies to send us on our way!

A non-holiday Monday open for a hike.
What a bonus. Second car at the trailhead, just me and the mosquitos.
Ranger report from a couple days earlier says flowers on the wane and bear poo spotted on the trail. Only a few minor trees in the trail.
Fireweed and thistles on the lower trail, Pentstemmon and paintbrush as you get higher.
Limited views from the trail.
I misunderstood, to get views you must bushwhack up Mt Sawyer.
Not something a solo hiker can wisely do.
So I just enjoyed the lovely meadows and the solitude.