Tonga Ridge, Fisher Lake

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.