Mount Pugh — Saturday, Sep. 12, 2009

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Our hike up Mt. Pugh was done during near-perfect conditions, so keep that in mind as you’re making your decision on this trail. I imagine that these trails get pretty mucky with a bit of rain. Mt. Pugh was about a 2 hour drive from Northgate. We arrived at the trailhead at 8am, there was already one car there. We started our ascent at 8:10 and summitted at 12:30. Started our descent at 1:30 and were back at the car at 5:00. **Elevation and distance notes are either my educated guesses or based on other report information** Trailhead (1500ft) to Lake Metan (2800ft) – 1.5miles As someone else said in their trip report, this trail has a very well-engineered grade. As compared to Mt. Si or Granite Mountain off I-90, this was literally a walk in the woods. Once we reached the lake, we took a quick break and continued on as the bugs at the lake were a bit…buggy. Lake Metan to Meadow below Stujack Pass (approx 4500ft) – 2 miles This next part is a bit more of a workout, but nothing that should be too difficult for anyone attempting the full Mt. Pugh summit. Be sure to save your energy for the hiking/climbing to and above Stujack Pass. Lots of switchbacks and not until you’re on the way back will you realize just how far that leg was! Meadow to Stujack Pass (5000ft) - .5 mile With more than 25 switchbacks to get through, give yourself a few “photo stops” along the way. If you’re unfortunate enough to be doing this leg in full sun, be aware of your hydration level, even on the way down, as it can get hot quickly. Stujack Pass to the summit (7200ft) – 1.5 miles UFTA! There are a number of points where I felt like we had to be close but we’d come around a bend and the top looked just as far away. The scrambles and ridge were definitely doable, but I could see how someone who doesn’t like heights would have a problem. But, I haven’t rock climbed and I’m not the most fit hiker, nor do I call myself a dare devil, and I did just fine. Down was a bit trickier, but that’s to be expected. A number of people didn’t go to the top with their groups, there’s no shame in playing it safe. Summit views are spectacular. On this day, there were ten other groups on the mountain according to the log at the trail head. Only saw them really up above Stujack. Saw a mountain goat, pika and chipmunk. Some berries, but not many.