The drive is long and the last part of the road is rough, but what a glorious journey and destination. The first part of the trail starts on gentle switchbacks in the forest, but the last three miles or so dispenses with switchbacks (until the last long traverse just below the pass) and heads pretty much straight up several pitches. It's not an easy climb, but just as we were coming down from the pass, a family of four was approaching it--with two children under age 10. I was amazed at their stamina to make it all the way up there.
The Chiwawa River crossing at the trailhead is mid-calf deep, and many people left their water shoes out in the open on the river bed for their return crossing. Once the trail emerges from the forest, it opens up to wide views in all directions, and the fall colors were vibrant on all the surrounding slopes. Once at the pass, the Napeequa Valley was best viewed from a spot a few dozen yards left (south) on the ridge from the pass. The view of the winding river valley reminded me of Meander Meadow from the PCT near Kodiak Peak. Glacier Peak was only partially visible on this cloudy day, but the glaciers on nearby Clark Mountain were impressive.
The trail is all easily navigable save a dozen or so downed trees--all of which are easy to step over. There were about 6 cars at the trailhead at 9 am and a few more at our afternoon return.
Comments
What is the low growing red foliage called?
Posted by:
onlymtina on Oct 05, 2018 03:16 PM
Those are blueberries. And much of the bushy yellow is mountain ash.
Posted by:
Wild Side on Oct 06, 2018 12:40 PM