Amble aimlessly along an easy ridge on the edge of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Scrounge for berries or lounge in sun-kissed meadows. Then follow a faint path to a long-ago lookout site still flush in stunning alpine views. Come in summer for dazzling floral displays or in autumn for carpets of crimson unfurled along the way. But no matter the season, come during the week, for Sawyer's admirers are legion.

The way begins on an old fire break at the edge of an old cut that's quickly being reclaimed by feisty firs and hemlocks. After a short, steep and rather uninspiring prelude, the score advances to real trail through real forest and on a near-level course that's a pleasure to hike. At 0.6 mile enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Now watch the forest cover thin - the first groves of mountain hemlock, then brushy meadow openings sporting mountain ash and huckleberry.

Skirting the western high point of Tonga Ridge, the trail commences slightly downward. At 2 miles traverse a grassy swale (elev. 4700) that once housed a tarn. Shrubs and grasses and showy wildflowers have claimed the once water-filled depression. Pay attention to your left for an unmarked trail as you continue a short distance, reentering a forested grove.

This is the way to Mount Sawyer, a 5501 foot summit on Tonga Ridge's midsection. Brushy and steep at first, the grade soon eases and the well-defined tread becomes a pleasure to follow. As you make a long traverse across Sawyer's open and brushy southern face (the result of a fire a century ago), rugged mountains to the south come into view.

Rife with blueberry bushes and mountain ash, Sawyer's slopes are atwitter with copious birds. Watch for bears, and try not to let flushed grouse with their thunderous fleeing increase your heart rate.

Steadily ascending, the way makes a few short switchbacks before swinging west along a subalpine fir-draped ridgeline. It's then a short final climb to the old lookout site. Enjoy an awesome view into the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, where snowy, showy Mounts Daniel and Hinman dominate the scene. Rainier peaks above scores of other summits, grand and small.