Aug 12-16
What a stupendous trip! I had a total blast and really savored spending these few day solo in the silence and privacy of the woods! Some ups and downs (literally) lol, but overall epic!
I had been dealing with some very severe plantar fasciitis pain in my left foot and so wasn’t sure how far/fast I’d be able to go. Loaded up with a full talk of gas and pack of food and headed out to Cle Elem! The road out to Tucquala Meadows Trailhead at the end of the Cle Elum Valley Road FR 4330 was a tad bumpy, but no issues at all. The water crossing at Scatter Creek (I think) was completely dry. When I arrived at the trailhead, there were cars parked all along the road for a good half mile and the two lots were packed with vehicles! I figured this would be the case as I arrived nearly mid-day on a Saturday. I drove all the way into the lots and couldn’t believe my luck, but a car was pulling out Just as I pulled in Right next to the trailhead! I couldn’t believe it!
After some organizing and eating a quick lunch, I started out. Sadly the foot was protesting immediately and after only 10min, I was barely able to make a steady hobble speed down the trail. So frustrating! Well, I only made it to the far end of Hyas Lake before calling it and setting up the tent for some vitamin “I” and rest. At least it was a beautiful sunny day with a gorgeous view! I was weighing my options for the next day. Decided to get plenty of rest and then see how the dang foot was in the morning.
Sunday am, I woke up bright and early and the foot seemed okay, so I decided to just go super slow and see what happened. So glad I did! Felt very stiff and a bit sore up to Deception Pass, but then kept improving more and more on my way up to Tuck Lake and by the time I reached Robin Lakes I had no pain at all! I really have no idea why-was about to throw in the towel down at Hyas and go home, but took my time and felt great!
I set up camp in a perfect little patch of trees for shade at the upper lake and because I still had plenty of day light and energy, decided to go for the loop up to Granite Mountain! The boot path between the lakes wasted no time gaining elevation so the views improved very quickly. The only tricky bit was down climbing some shifty sandy rocks to the saddle before heading back up again to Granite. Took my time for careful stepping and before I knew it, was standing on top of Granite Mountain enjoying perfect weather and 360 views!! I soaked in the sun and views and realized that I was sitting in a swarm of Ladybugs! Thousands of them landing on me and swirling all over the peak. Really beautiful. I had the summit to myself the whole time-super magical moment.
On the way down from Granite Mt., I decided to take the other option around the lake to complete the loop. This trail was gorgeous, heading through many mini alpine meadows and offering countless peek-a-boo views of the Robin Lakes! Highly recommended. Back at the tent it was time to soak the feet, get into sleepy outfit, and eat some well-deserved dinner. The weather was clear, warm, and stunning! I watched as the sun slowly shifted the colors all across the sky and took some stunning shots! The night sky was respondent with starts and the milky way, WOW!
The next morning dawned clear and epically beautiful! Foot felt surprisingly good, so I got packed up and was moving my 6:30am. Cruised down to Tuck Lake and then took some careful steps going back down to the junction near Deception Pass. Next the trail to Marmot Lake/Clarice Lake junction was beautiful with meadows and patch of trees and ridges. The trail dropped down and back up more than I expected and, in the heat, I got my work out in for sure! I’d been aiming to camp at Clarice Lake that night, so hung a right at the junction and sadly found no good tent site at the steep sided rocky lake. There was one possible spot next to the out flow of the reedy pond before the actual lake, but not really what I was looking for. So after a good lunch, I decided to head up to Marmot Lake for the night instead! Found a great spot right by the lake and set up for a very nice relaxed evening watching the light change and a good dinner.
Next morning was yet another perfect day weather wise and I was up and moving fairly early off to Jade Lake! The trail/path along the eastern shore of Marmot Lake was a bit ragged, with a couple social trail options, but not hard to follow. Next followed the rocks up to No Name Lake and WOW! The views in that little valley were stunning! I really enjoyed that stretch of trail! Maybe some other time, I’ll come here to camp at No Name Lake and spend some time exploring this little basin! As I dropped down to Jade Lake, the sun was just starting to shine onto the walls of the Jade Lake basin and color the cliffs! I skirted around Jade and down a short gravelly hillside and into the couloir on the south end up Jade. I picked my way up the rocks till about 5,900ft where I hit snow. I didn’t have spikes or axe or anything with me this trip, so called it there as I was traveling solo and just sat and soaked in the views, the silence, and a scrumptious meal.
I was loathe to abandon my viewpoint, but time was pressing so headed back down the trail back to camp at Marmot Lake. After packing up, I was aiming for a small camp spot I’d seen by a stream about 0.5miles before the Deception Pass trail junction. Sadly, by the time I’d arrived, there was already a family camped there. I continued down the trail, passed the junction, and ended up jumping on the Tuck/Robin Lakes trail again and camped at the nameless but well flowing creak a couple hundred fret along the trail. By now the weather was HOT somewhere around 85F or 90F and so I was very content to set up camp and just soak my feet and nap in the shade till evening. The following day was bittersweet as the last day on trail this week. Was in no hurry packing up as the morning felt fresh and beautiful!
Rejoined the trail down to Hyas lakes and before I knew it, was back to my car @ Tucquala Meadows Trailhead! Was a fabulous trip full of spectacular views, epic weather, and peaceful moments with time to ponder.
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