Smelled smoke one mile from the TH and wandered around looking for the source. Found a 2 foot deep fire pit, smoking and smoldering, hot to the touch.  Did our best to put it out with water and well, pee. But not completely successful. Reported to Darrington Ranger Station. Terrifying!

Other than that, gorgeous flowers, sunshine, and oh the views. 

-Late hike starting at noon on Sunday and I grabbed the last spot in the main parking area.
-Snow was soft since it was mid afternoon and poles helped, spikes are unnecessary. Even with more compact snow, the sections are short enough that it would take more time to take your spikes on and off than it would to just go for it. Anyone can make it to the summit at this time, there aren’t any route finding or exposure issues.
-I didn’t think bugs were a problem but the numerous bites I have on my arms, legs, and butt would say otherwise. I wore long pants, long sleeves, and sprayed with premetherin but they still got me. One bite is a raised patch of skin about the size of a quarter, I don’t know what would cause that compared to the rest looking like regular mosquito bites.
-Wildflowers are gorgeous and numerous, not at peak level yet as some still have yet to bloom but I was surprised at the cover for late June. Felt like they were a few weeks ahead of schedule.
-Marmots at the lookout are bold, keep your snacks close.
-There are more mountains than PeakFinder can identify. Buckner and Dome were my favorite but of course Glacier Peak stole the show.

Where to begin- this area has an abundance of beauty and breath-taking views. I added this hike to my list several years ago and I'm just now getting around to hiking it. Needless to say, I should've hiked it along time ago. 

Today I got a late start and I didn't get to the trailhead until around 10:15am. There were two other cars in the small lot and I could hear voices as I was getting ready for the hike. The other hikers, (who I never saw) had just arrived and were minutes ahead of me. The first couple of miles were easy milage and easy elevation gain. I didn't really break a sweat until I broke out of the tree line and started hitting the switchbacks. 

The meadows had foliage encroaching on the trail and probably by mid August, it'll be a tight squeeze on the pathway. The views from here are incredible. Glacier Peak stood tall with Sloan and its infamous shark fin summit block making an appearance as well. 

After finally leaving the switchbacks behind, and I started to see Green Mountain along with the tiny white blip of what appeared to be the lookout affixed on the summit block, that's when I ran into snow. The snow patches were firm and had boot tracks in them which made following the trail somewhat easier than just relying on GPS. I never broke out any traction device because the snow was firm enough and there was no real slip/fall danger. Other than post-holing, (which I never did) I made my way for another 200-300 yards before losing the trail. I never really recovered and called it quits. I'd give this trail a few more weeks before it's snow-free enough where nav tools and snow won't cause you any issues. 

And I'll be back on July 8th with sun screen and some bug repellant to conquer this awesome mountain.

I found a Patagonia hat on the trail- appears to have fallen out of someone's backpack. If you can tell me the color of the hat and what's on the back of the hat near the strap, I will mail it to you. 

Made it to the summit today with microspikes and poles. Snow is present after about 2.5 miles. Traction is a must. GPS would be helpful if you don't know the trail. Ice had good traction early in the morning, but got very wet, loose, and slippery in the mid-morning sun. Most snow fields don't have dire consequences if you slip, but it's also going to get worse before it gets better!

The payoff is, of course, incredible! Had the mountain to myself today--just me and the marmots and a beautiful, clear sky 😊!

A spectacular day in the Glacier Peak Wilderness!

The trail is snow-free up to about 5,200 feet. After that, there’s consistent snow until about 200 feet from the summit. I followed the summer route to the basin, then took a more direct line up to the lookout. Snow conditions were solid and great for step-kicking—no traction issues.

Wildflowers line the trail as it leaves the forest and approaches the snowline, creating a nice contrast between spring and lingering winter.

I crossed paths with one other group who had already broken trail, which made the climb to the summit much easier. Thank you!

The views from the top were excellent: snow-covered peaks in every direction. It was hot, but the lookout provided just enough shade to relax and take it all in.