Lake Janus and Grizzly Peak — Saturday, Sep. 13, 2014

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East

Started my hike to the lake at Smithbrook which gently and quickly climbed to Union Gap and the Pacific Crest Trail junction. Took a right at the junction. The trail to the lake is mostly downhill (meaning mostly uphill on your return to Smithbrook) and sections are rocky; much different from the hike to Lake Valhalla (left at the PCT junction). After traversing the boulder field and crossing the creek, I ran across a Ranger digging and dousing an improperly extinguished campfire that was still burning underground from the night before. A short distance further, just past the toilet, I took a right at the Y and headed to the pretty lake shore to eat lunch and explore. For a short time, I had the lake to myself. On my return trip, I was met by many people headed to the lake to camp. I am glad to be an early bird..