Lake Ann (Mount Baker Highway) — Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

This is one of my favorite hikes in the Mt Baker area. It's strenuous because you start high, hike down a steep trail to a beautiful valley, and then zigzag up a very rocky trail on a mountain to a jewel of a lake and amazing views of Mount Shuksan. The trail is made more strenuous right now by the fact a tree is down across the trail about 3 miles in on a steep section, and there's no easy way around it. It took a group effort to get all my party over the barrier, and we were all filthy by the time we belly-flopped and rolled to the other side. Lake Ann is still covered in ice and snow but melting fast, and the views of Baker and Shuksan are incredible. Much of this trail is without cover, so don't forget plenty of water, sunscreen, and the bug juice--I inhaled at least five pesky flies during the round trip. It's an amazing hike, though, and you'll be happy you made the effort. Great research for my next Summer Westin mystery, which I'm setting in the North Cascades.