Lake Janus and Grizzly Peak — Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East

I headed out for a solo hike on this glorious Wednesday morning, along Smith Brook Trail (1530) to the PCT to Lake Janus. The trail is just as advertised...fairly steep switchbacks for about a mile, but nothing to write home about. At one mile, you crest at Union Gap (4600+), and then follow the PCT along Union Ridge, ending up at Lake Janus (4100+) after some ups and downs. I saw no through hikers, or even overnighters; only a handful of day-hikers and a family with fishing rods shared the trail. Bugs were present but not a problem; berries were all but gone. And of course the PCT had its share of trail apples ;-) Definitely a delightful way to stretch the legs. Next time, I'll head up to Grizzly Peak as well.