Hiked up from the Mineral Creek trailhead to Park lakes, then up and over the PCT and down to Glacier lakes. The path from miles 2-3.5 on the north side of the creek traverses through low hanging maple thatch. The footing is unusual, and the pace was very slow. Lots of low hanging branches needed to be negotiated by hand. The blueberries from mile 3-4.5 were very strong and ripe. Mountain huckleberries also plentiful in the fields surrounding the Park Lakes. The main path to the West-most Park lake navigates counterclockwise up to the PCT. However, I bushwacked my way around the lake clockwise for a thrill. Turning west, I followed it up to the switchback below Chickamin Ridge. The Path from the ridge down thru some small ponds to Glacier lake is very poorly defined, and a bit treacherous. A fall or ankle twist here could be very significant. There were a couple of campers on the NE edge of Glacier Lake. I camped in a single tent along the SW edge of the lake in the only semi-flat spot at the bottom of a rock field. My foam pad was essential, as the ground was a stony field. My head/bug net made the trip tolerable, but the insects were almost unbearable. I returned the reverse route the next day. A mountain goat was visible for over an hour up along the Chickamin Ridge. Swimming in the West-Park lake is a must.
One way
7.12 miles Distance
3,015 ft Elev Gain
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