Cady Creek, Pacific Crest Trail Section K - Stevens Pass - East to Rainy Pass, West Cady Ridge

Fabulously beautiful day for long views, flowers and a great 8 hour hike.
We chose this 16 mile loop over the meander meadow-pct-cady ridge loop on the recommendation of Dan Nelson's Loop Hikes book, as the preferred loop due to the heavy growth along the Little Wenatchee River trail. The Cady Creek trail seems lightly used but is a nice stretch of comfortable forest walking, never very steep and it brings you up to the intersection w/ the PCT, and great peek-a-boo views in no time.

Hard to hike the next 6 miles quickly as we repeatedly wanted to stop to admire the breathtaking views, from the Wenatchee ridge, to Stuart, Rainier and of course, Glacier Peak.

Lake Sally Ann is still largely frozen, but there are 6 or more campsites on dry ground. Only one lonely tent when we walked by.
Otherwise only a few patches of snow.

Bugs a little pesky but not terrible.

and hardy anyone on the trail...

Also,fyi, on FS road 65, just after pavement gives way to gravel, a large tree partially blocks the road. Most cars should be able to squeeze by, as we did, and so did a trailer full of horses, probably with someone directing from the front. Might be a little spooky without some guidance.

Highly recommend as a Great one day loop hike! ENJOY!