Lake Janus and Grizzly Peak — Friday, Sep. 15, 2017

Just for variety I spent Thursday night at the Mountaineers lodge at Stevens pass, which is open for the month for PCT thru hikers and anyone else. Really enjoyed meeting 16 or so thru hikers that spent the night there. Parked at Smith Brook at 9:45 on Friday morning, about 10 cars in the parking lot. Nearly everyone on the register was headed to Lake Valhalla. I'd been to Valhalla recently but hadn't been to Janus for years so at Union Gap I  decided to go north to Janus, which involves dropping  around 600 feet. Very nice hike but if you are trying to decide based on which lake is prettier I'd pick Valhalla (also slightly easier). Relaxed at the lake, chatted with a few thru hikers, back at the car around  2:00, according to Green Trails miles think its about 6.5 miles RT.  Spotted a cool old trail marker (see photo). Berries seemed to be fading.