We set out for the loop hike with a spur side trip up The PCT to Red and White Pass. We decided to do the loop portion clockwise going up Cady Ridge rather than the meadow, as they were calling for rain on Sunday(rather be in the valley on a cloudy rainy day then the ridge )and we would also avoid most of the people heading up on Friday and Saturday morning to the meadow. I think that was a good choice yes we saw almost nobody on our way out on Sunday and it turns out it didn't rain on Sunday anyways.
Got to The trailhead at 5:15 PM on Friday, we could only get out of work so early… We were trying to make it up to the campsite on Cady Ridge just before the PCT, before it got dark but we ended up hiking the last mile or two in the dark. Quite the experience as it was cloudy, no moon it was pitch black. Saw lots of little beady eyes in the distance looking our way! The trail is very obvious and the ridge is beautiful. So many views and so much fall color. The campsite we stayed at had a awesome view of glacier Peak. Saturday we did a little hike over to Sally Ann Lake to get some water and check out that lake, pretty cool. Unfortunately some folks we met there were complaining of some ignorant people blaring music and having campfires. I guess there's people out there that just have no consideration for the environment, rules or other people near them. You would think in years like this especially, people would obey the fire rules.
Anyways, we hiked all the way up to White Pass and set up camp. Most of that hike is through Alpine Meadows with beautiful fall color and lots of scenic views. Reflection pond, Indian head Peak, glacier Peak, white mountain and all the valleys below. After setting up camp we continued up the trail to check out red pass in hopes to get a up close and personal view of glacier Peak. The trail was awesome but the mountain was socked in with clouds. We caught an awesome sunset, drink some whiskey and crashed out for the night and man it must've been close to 30° overnight. The mud on the trail by our tents was frozen and crusty in the morning. We met a lot of PCT through hikers, more through hikers than weekend backpackers actually. Most of the through hikers we're just excited they only had one more week left! Lots of crazy stories of detours through the Sierra's because of the snow, wildfires and the recent snow last week.
The way out on Sunday was beautiful with lots of sun. Honestly, the hike down through the meadows was underwhelming. All the flowers were done blooming and all the plants were growing over the trail making it more difficult to see the rocky terrain on the trail. It was a nice change of scenery to go through the forest and Meadows but wasn't spectacular at this point in time of the year. More of a wildflower hike in that portion I guess. The ridge portion was much cooler. Oh, and did I mention the Colbert is, so many unbelievably delicious huckleberries you could never eat them all in a lifetime! Overall we did 34 miles and it was really kick ass. Definitely recommend this hike if you're looking to try something a little more out in the wilderness with scenic views.
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