White Pass - Pilot Ridge Loop — Friday, Sep. 4, 2020

I did this as a 3-day counter-clockwise so I could frontload the toughest parts of each day. Prior trip reports have already covered a lot of this ground, but I'll highlight here what I found most helpful.

TH to Blue Lake: The log crossing over the North Fork Sauk was not a problem. The log is quite wide and sturdy, and it's also not too high above the river. I'm including a photo for reference. The river also looked pretty shallow and mellow right now. The tight switchbacks weren't as bad as I thought they would be, which was probably helped by the fact I did them on fresh legs and before it got too hot. There is a good running water source about halfway up the switchbacks. I don't recall seeing any others until the lake, with the exception of a couple snow patches at the base of Johnson Mountain. Unfortunately there is still elevation to be gained after exiting the switchbacks, and I spent a hot afternoon slogging my way to the lake. The lake itself is gorgeous. A number of campsites dot the shore and ridges above. As mentioned in a previous trip report, the toilet is nearly full.

Blue Lake to White Pass: I had originally planned to take the long way around, but after talking with folks at the lake and looking at the high route from below, I decided to take that. It wasn't an issue on fresh legs, although I may have felt differently if I had used it to come down to the lake since it was very steep slippery from loose dirt/scree in some places. I think there is a small running water source along the trail 2-3 miles south of White Pass - I heard water and there was another hiker stopped there. White Pass has two toilets, both of which are in good shape, although one seems to be in view of a campsite. 

White Pass to TH: Nothing really to report for this leg - there are a lot of water sources throughout and the trail is in good condition, especially once you hit Mackinaw Shelter. 

Other notes: Flowers are pretty much done, although there were a few small blooming patches near White Pass on the PCT and Foam Creek trail. Fall colors are starting and ripe berries are everywhere. Taking a day hike to Red Pass is well worth it - amazing views!