Dock Butte — Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Wasn't sure exactly what trail I was going to do today. Only knew I was meeting a friend camping up near Mt Baker and we were going to go off to hike. Ended up at Dock Butte and Blue Lake. Neither hikes are that long on their own but in combination make for a good day. Dock Butte has a good little climb to it. It can be gnarly, rooty, and rocky in places. But it also has a good stretch of meadow walking to it as well. A few snow patches remain in the meadows but are not encroaching on the trail and the melted snow puddles are the only water source. And don't forget to look behind you and see what is looming. The final climb up to the Butte is narrow and rocky so watch your step. The final few feet are a bit of a scramble, too. The views are stupendous, all the way around on this wonderfully clear day. There were a few lingering wild flowers, but the mountain views were the stars of the show, with Mt Baker taking center stage. On the way down took the turn off to Blue lake for a quick cool down. Bugs weren't a problem for the rest of the hike but they were a little bothersome at the lake. Fairly easy hike in to the lake. This is not a hugely populated trail so made for quiet walking and hiking for the most part. All in all another awesome day on the trails in western washington. What a wonderful world we live in. Just one question. I know it is bear hunting season, but are hunters supposed to be hunting bears on hiking trails? Met one with a rifle that made a snide comment about the bear bells I had on my dogs. Not very comforting when you think about it.