Great hike today up to Mount McCausland then down to Lake Valhalla.
Arrived at the trailhead around 1 pm for the "second shift." Hike up to Union Gap goes quick. Lots of switchbacks. Then the slow climb up to the junction with Mount McCausland along the PCT is smooth, but mostly in the forest. The climb to McCausland is quite steep, and some areas that hands help to scramble up, but no fall exposure. The false summit is pretty convincing. Travel out the back of the false summit and down a blowdown and around to reach the true summit. You know this is the true summit because of the log box at the top. Cool to lean the history and biography of Norm McCausland. The view north of here is great with amazing views of Glacier and on a clearer day, Baker. You get a 300 deg view from up here. The rocks are also all quite square so great for sitting. The heather and foliage is changing color and fall feels here! Poles would be definitely nice for the hike back down to the PCT (I forgot them in my car). The hike down to Valhalla lake along the PCT is a nice stroll and the lake is great. Really nice beach area. Hike out was uneventful other than a tumble (I'm OK).
Happy Trails!
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