What a great destination! The trail is excellent and nicely graded. The views begin at about 3 miles when you reach the meadows. The fall colors are at peak with red, yellow, and orange glowing all around. All angles of Cathedral Rock are worth exploring. We hiked a total of 11.5 miles.
First, we wandered around the little lakes along the trail before reaching the PCT junction. So beautiful!
Second, we headed to the junction of Peggy’s Pond trail and walked just a short distance out the trail to get a good view of Deep Lake.
Third, we explored the ridge heading SE at Cathedral Pass (left on the PCT). Several campsites along the ridge and good views of Cathedral Rock. We enjoyed the beautiful views of Mt. Daniel and Cathedral Rock while eating lunch on the large flat boulders along this ridge.
Fourth, returning to the PCT junction, we continued north (right) for about a half mile. These meadows are absolutely stunning; falls colors bursting all around. The PCT wanders through this meadow for quite a while before heading steeply down some switchbacks. This area is definitely worth a stroll.
Fifth, we stopped at [new name?] Lake and soaked our tired feet in the cool, refreshing lake before continuing back down to the parking lot. This lovely lake is the perfect stop along the way going to or from the meadows below Cathedral Rock.
For the number of cars in the 3 parking lots and lining the road for a half mile on this sunny-September-Saturday, there were surprisingly few people on this trail. Guessing most were headed up the Deception Pass trail to the lakes beyond.
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