White Pass to Chinook Pass — Sunday, Sep. 2, 2018

South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley

Did this as a two night backpacking trip with a couple friends over the Labor Day weekend. It was an awesome hike! We left white pass at noon and hiked to snow lake by 5 pm and stayed the night. We passed multiple lakes on the way which was nice to see. We had a couple PCT through hikers camp the night with us. It was neat to talk with them and hear their story. Next morning we left at 9 am and made our way to Anderson lake for our second night. Snow lake to Anderson lake is about 14 miles which is doable but long. First part was through trees and there is a crossing over bumping creek then some long switchbacks for a couple miles. But once you get out of the trees the views are spectacular and it’s much easier from then on. There is a perfect lunch spot at the top with great views of the valley and then mount rainier a bit farther down the trail. We got to Anderson lake by 5 pm and were the first ones, so we grabbed a nice camp spot. Heard some animal cries during the night, elk maybe, possible bear according to the last trip report:/ Both nights were chilly (I wish I had brought a liner for my bag) but the days were perfect. We left the next morning around 10 am and hiked to Dewey lake which is beautiful then on to chinook pass. Tons of day hikers from the lake up to the pass which is to be expected on a nice weekend. Overall it was a great trip!