ARTIST RIDGE - HUNTOON POINT: Excellent condition. For as many visitors as this trail sees, the litter was very minimal. Lots of "Meadow Repair" signs, yet that still doesn't stop some knuckleheads. Great trail for people of all abilities. BAGLEY LAKES LOOP: Great trail for families! This loop is begun from Heather Meadows Visitor Center. The side closest to the visitor center is very smooth and easy walking. The far side is a bit more technical, roots and rocks with several small streams to cross. A little muddy, too. Amazing views of Table Mountain and the Bagley Lakes. Crossing the arched stone bridge at one end and a very old dam at the other would be fun for kiddos...just hang on the the little hands! Fall colors are amazing; obvious bear sign in the area, but only birds actually seen. PICTURE LAKE: Paved ADA accessible loop around the perfectly placed Picture Lake with its amazing view of Mount Shuksan. Lots of benches to sit and gaze in wonder at the beauty. FIRE AND ICE: A short, easy "Interpretive" trail however there was not a single sign that provided any information (I was bummed); not even a trailhead sign. Perhaps they are removed for the winter? Lots of stone and metal things that look as though they would hold a sign. Also leaves from the visitor center. Nice little loop for kids. Great view of Table Mountain and the Wild Goose trail. WILD GOOSE: This end-to-end hike goes from the Artist Point parking area to the Heather Meadows Visitor Center. It is in great shape, and if you hike it regularly, you will be in great shape too! It's about 1,100' of elevation gain or loss, depending on where you park. I parked at the top and hiked down, did Fire and Ice, then hiked back up again. As I descended, I was watching the dark clouds moving in, but the weather remained great. The trail is in good condition and marked by permanent stone cairns with a flying goose plaque on them. It took me a minute to figure out what it was, DUH! There is part of the trail that is made up of approximately 150 steps. I will just say that with wear and tear and weather, they are a BIG step up for someone just over 5 feet tall! Halfway down there is a side trail that will lead to the Swift Creek (600) and Lake Ann (607) trails. I'll save those for another day..... Had my dog with me so I could not hike Table Mountain as dogs are prohibited on that trail. Next time. Summary: Wonderful day of hiking; amazed at the number of people up there. Chatted with a few; everyone pleasant even if they didn't heed the "Meadow Repair" signs. Would love to see signage at the Fire and Ice trail. The privy at the top.....DISGUSTING, I'd rather pee outside. I think some people interpret the "Don't throw trash into the toilets, it is very difficult to remove" signs to include toilet paper. A trash can in the bathroom may help.

Trail Conditions: Overall, the Ptarmigan Ridge trail is in great shape. All along the trail there are sections of loose rocks, so careful footing is required. Those dry, rocky sections can be somewhat "slippery," especially going downhill. There are several snow patches to cross, but all have a clear bootpath through them so route-finding is not a problem. With today's weather, the snow was still firm enough that I didn't punch through, but soft enough that I could create steps to go either up or down. After crossing over the first ridge and dropping back down, there is one section of the trail that goes through a section of dark gray rocks where it can be a little challenging to see the trail. When you get to this spot, climb uphill and to the left through the rocks and you'll see a short snowpatch with a bootpath through it. Flora and Fauna: Wildflowers are past their peak, but a few are still blooming higher up. There are a few ripe berries, but not an abundant source. As far as wildlife, I saw some pika in the rocks, a family of ptarmigan, and a herd of 15-20 mountain goats. Views: Heading in, there are clear views of Mt. Baker for a good portion of the way. While heading out, there are clear views of Mt. Shuksan for a good portion of the way. While those two peaks dominate the skyline, many others line the horizon as well. Artist Ridge, Fire and Ice, and Picture Lake Trails: All of these short trails on the Mt. Baker Highway in the Artist Point/Heather Meadows area are in great shape.

Very short, flat trail around Picture Lake - the whole point being a good view of Shuksan and the nice reflection onto the lake.

Ralph had been waiting over 30 years for this moment, so he said. Photographing Mount Shuksan above Picture lake was something he delayed until today. So we packed our camera gear and set out to capture a dream. The weather was not as sunny in the morning as we had hoped so we did an alternate hike to the summit of Table mountain nearby, while waiting for the sun. We had parked near Picture lake so we hiked the road until reaching a trail going to Artist Point. We continued on the well maintained trail and took the upper junction to trail #681. It is rocky and exposed in places but traverses nicely to the flat, mesa on top. As we headed back down to Picture lake the couds began to clear. We were greeted at the lake shore by a very friendly Canada goose who followed us around and ate blueberries along the way. It appears the shore-line trail was designed with photographers in mind and several others were captureing the mountain and fall colors. Ralph and I spent some time locating the perfect spot where the mountain the Fall colors and the lake all come together. We took our photos and departed as the sun sank lower and behind the clouds. Just before departing the goose gave us a show on the water and we realized she (female, judging by its size) couldn't fly, after seeing an aborted take-off. So we hope she is able to eventually fly away but meanwhile if you get to the lake before Winter sets in you might be greeted by a lone goose trying to survive on blueberries. http://www.flickr.com/photos/nabuckley/sets/72157625032635863/