Hidden Lake Lookout — Saturday, Jul. 2, 2016

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

I've hiked all over the world, and this hike is in my top ten. Stunning panoramas, blooming wildflowers, the promise of soon-to-be-ripe blueberries... this hike is a must-do. A few things: the snow is still out. It didn't freeze at night, so the snow wasn't too slick with our morning descent, but it's *just* steep enough to pose a safety risk for a mountain rookie. A confident and experienced hiker would be able to make it across without too much difficulty (I had yak tracks and hiking poles, my friend had light hikers and an ice ax), and we saw hikers who made it up in sneakers. However, it would be a long slide down into the valley floor, so solid traction and a basic knowledge of self-arrest skills would be wise, especially if it freezes. The ascent is challenging, but well worth it: the display of wildflowers on the western face was absolutely brilliant in its diversity and vibrancy. Bring your field guide! We stayed at the lookout; there's a sleeping platform that fits three, and another three can fit on the floor. The view from the pit toilet is breath-taking. The lookout seems to be a popular venue, so if you want a shot to sleep there it's best to leave early. A few safety notes: when it's socked in by clouds, route-finding across the snow was a little difficult, especially after a few hours of rain had washed out the obvious footprints. Also, with the recent rain and high temperatures, the creeks are running high, so wear waterproof shoes and expect to get your toes wet. Overall, a stunning hike with just enough elevation and technical difficulty to make it a good effort for the experienced hiker, but accessible enough for a well-equipped rookie. Be safe: bring traction and an ice-ax. Bring a topo map so you can identify all the peaks once you hit the top. And don't forget your extra jacket; it can be chilly on top!