Lake Janus and Grizzly Peak — Monday, Sep. 8, 2014

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East

Hiked from the Smith Brook trailhead to Lake Janus then back to the car. The road to the trailhead is fairly pot-holed with one or two spots that might be tricky for low clearance vehicles. There were mostly trucks and suv's at the trailhead but there was one Honda Civic. Smith Brook trail is nicely groomed and well marked. Took me about 1 1/3 hours to get to the lake, an hour for lunch, and about the same 1 1/3 back to the car. There are a few muddy spots that are easily navigable on the way to the lake, and a little more challenging in the other direction. Bugs were nearly non-existent and I only had to swat a fly or two when I stopped at the lake for lunch. Be careful where you step when walking near the lake, as small frogs are everywhere! I didn't realize it until I had already walked through them, so R.I.P. any guys I might have smashed. There was no snow and virtually no berries to eat. I did see quite a lot of mushrooms so if you're savvy enough to not poison yourself, give it a go. Saw a handful of pikas, a few grouse, a very colorful Douglas squirrel, and of course the frogs.