Royal Basin

This was my 2nd hike for Hike-a-Thon 2011 and it didn't disappoint -- long miles, unforgettable scenery. The forest walk is beautiful, the way to the lake is gently graded (though the trail is filled with avalanche debris in 2 places). The wildflowers and mountain views start roughly a little over half-way in. Just a tiny bit of snow on the final stretch up to Royal Lake. Plenty of bugs at the lake, and patchy snow starts as you head to the upper basin. Soon the way becomes mostly snow covered. We were ok with trekking poles but had to use plenty of caution as there are many snow bridges and a LOT of water rushing beneath. We hiked above a mostly frozen tarn near the base of Mount Deception. Wow.

We ran into several backpacking groups heading out as we headed in, but didn't see a soul in the upper basin, and only a few people on our hike out.