I have had this trail on my radar for year and have planned to hike it for the last 3 years. Each year something came up, this year it was the smoke from the fires in Cali. I said damn the torpedoes full steam ahead this time and went anyway.
I got to Artist point around 8 am in hopes of an early start... well, ya know how that goes. The restrooms were closed so back down to Austin Pass/ Bagley lakes trailhead I went. OMG the restrooms there were toxic to say the least, down right nasty, the flies would not even go in there. Anyway, headed back up the hill to head out, hiking partners were late..... finally on trail at 9am. Smoke was not to bad a few day hikes on trail and a few overnighters heading out.
Epic views even with the smoke. The trail is well maintained and a fairly easy hike. We made camp above the big lake ( the name escapes me but I think it is Goat lake) with a perfect view of Baker. The smoke was intermittent but we could always see the mountain. My son saw 4 goats across the way on a ridge and I was able to just catch the tail end ( no pun intended) of them as they dropped over the other side.
Bugs were not too bad if at all. We lucked out and were able to camp next to a snowfield that was giving up water. Sunset was awesome and sunrise was even better. Heard a few icefalls but were not able to see them.
Coming back next year and going to go all the way to Kaiser Camp next time.
Camping and hiking above timber line is surreal and almost alien like. I love it!
Comments