Park Butte — Saturday, Sep. 24, 2011

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Here's a line I feared I'd have to write, even before I left home: "Wildflowers are done, but the fall colours haven't arrived yet." Well, it turned out to be true. But it really didn't matter. This is a beautiful hike! This trail is free of snow and in fine condition. There were some berries in the meadow...not tons, but you take what you can get. The flowers were done and gone, and only a few leaves had slight tinges of red. But the views of Baker and the surrounding peaks were jaw dropping. I'd love to go back in a few weeks to catch the full blaze of fall colours. I may even head back this year. On my way back down, I weas planning on returning via the Scott Paul trail, but the nifty suspension bridge was out. Rather than scout around upstream for a good crossing, I decided to turn around and head back the way I came. This was hike 17 of my 30/300/30000 @ 30 challenge. 1. Deception Pass 2. Wallace Falls 3. Spencer Island 4. E. Fork Foss River 5. Lake Serene 6. Wallace Falls 7. Goat Lake (N. Cascades) 8. Boulder River 9. Third Beach to Toleak Point (Overnight) 10. Big Quilcene/Marmot Pass (Overnight) 11. Lake 22 12. N. Fork Skokomish (Overnight) 13. Welcome Pass/HIgh Divide 14. Golden Lakes/Sunset Park 15. Glacier Basin 16. Sunrise Area Trails 17. Park Butte So far: 17 Hikes, 156.7 Miles, 33900' Elevation Gain