Lake Ann (Mount Baker Highway) — Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Hot damn, this was a great trail! The views of Mt Baker, Table Mountain, Mt. Shuksan and Baker Lake are astonishing! The wildflowers were putting on a lovely show and the adorable pikas were out in full force. Listen for the squeaks among the boulders. The trail itself is so diverse from a valley with it's dried up river beds and red rocks, to a level subapline trail, to the boulders on the steep ascend to the saddle. The views of the lake once you hit the top of the saddle are breathtaking. There isn't a bad campsite and they all have views of both the lake and the lower Curtis Glacier on Mt Shuksan. At night time we could see all the stars and heard the thundering of ice breaking off of the mountain's rock face. In the morning we were greeted by heavy fog that made it all eerily beautiful. Do note you are in for some elevation gain, the worst of it is when you hit the boulders at the base of the saddle and then on your return trip when you ascend back to the trail parking lot. It's not horrible but I wouldn't recommend to a beginner, especially one carrying an overnight pack. There were some bugs at dusk but overall not too horrible. We hiked with a German Shepard and a chubby Chihuahua and they both did great! The only snow we crossed was up on the saddle and it was easy to traverse. Trekking poles help but not totally necessary. Oh and we did have a critter visit us at night so be sure to hang your food on those overnight trips. Special note: Sorry to get gross for a second but due to there not being a privy up there, and since you are on a ledge, you ladies might struggle as I did during the number one process. It's a little steep. Ha! Also because of it people left their used TP along some of the tree lines which was horrible and disgusting. PACK IT OUT! Otherwise, enjoy!