The plan was to wake up this morning and drive to Mount Baker and hike the Fire and Ice Trail, Lake Ann, Table Mountain Trail and Artist Point Ridge.
I woke up late so naturally, I got a late start out the door. When I arrived at Austin Pass for my first hike on the Fire and Ice Trail, HWY 542 was already pretty packed with cars, back packers walking around and day hikers just getting their day started.
I was still able to find parking at the Fire and Ice trailhead but I already knew Lake Ann was not going to happen today. I wasn't all that disappointed because I've hiked nearly all of the Lake Ann trail sans making it to the lake. But I did want to finish it today. The trail was in great shape, minimal people, (but that would change mid-day) and a chilly 52 degrees with some wind. The 0.5 mile loop was really interesting and the reader boards provided a lot of information, too.
After completing the Fire and Ice trail, I passed by the Lake Ann trailhead and it was lined with cars. Up HWY 542 and down. I'd have to come back another day, I suppose.
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