Lake of the Angels

This hike is easier going up than it is coming down...

Definitely one of the most challenging hikes I've done so far. Its steep and rocky, and especially where the trail has dried out, there are a fair amount of loose and flaky rocks. Otherwise there are significant portions of mud. After you make it through the "flat" section and move up above the stove line you start to beg for some monotonous switchbacks. Light bags and a few key water sources made this hike do-able for us in the heat. The bugs, however, were awful and relentless. Everyone we passed going up stopped to show us their patches of bug bites. Swarms of horse-flys and mosquitos made hanging around camp uncomfortable. Don't hesitate to bring DEET, our all natural bug repellent was almost inviting the bugs.

Give yourself a lot of time, because it was worth the journey, probably more so after the bugs have gone in the fall. A few steps after you've scramble up the rock wall and, in my opinion, the steepest part there was a clear and magnificent Mt. Rainier in front of you and a seemingly tropical basin with boasting waterfall behind. The wildflowers are still out and a lot of succulents are taking over crannies in rocks. You've still got a ways to go, but the muddy meadow gives you a little respite from the climb. Stay on the trail! This portion seemed so very fragile. Then the final push to the Lake begins... Once at the top we were greeted by a few mountain goats, and then a few more and then there were about 25 goats all roaming around the basin! Maybe more. Despite the difficulty of this climb there were 7 other tents and not as many tent spots near the lake. We settled for a less than ideal spot on the north side of the lake. But as we discovered the next day on our mini day hikes up the ridge there are a handful of spots with bigger views and slightly fewer bugs. Slightly. The very curious goats approached us many times throughout the evening and we're certain that they spent the night roaming our campsite, licking our tent poles and sleeping in the snow patch close by. But mostly they kept to themselves. Clapping and shouting causes them to retreat fairly quickly. But they are pretty habituated so use caution.

When we descended to the sign-in spot we decided to take the road back to the car. This was MUCH appreciated. There were a few wash outs but nothing major to navigate and our feet thanked us.

Definitely worth the trek, but boy, its a doozy!