Mud Hole may not sound terribly appetizing but we really had a great time. MH shares the trail head with Cedar Creek. About 200 yards up that trail an unsigned trail turns right and decidedly uphill.
Despite being steep this trail is in great shape. Classic east-side ponderosa forest dominated for the first 2000' of steady gain. When we reached the ridge line the trees have changed to sub-alpine fir and whitebark pine. The trail was a joy here rolling up and over a few high points. Most of the wildflowers have passed but higher up on the ridge we encountered squaw berries in spades. Now if you've ever picked squaw berries you know that there will never be enough for a pie. Regardless, they are so sugary and sweet. We picked a cup full (45 minutes of picking for two people) that are so worth it. There are huckleberries but their numbers are negligible.
We over nighted at Mud Hole. This high mountain pond is deep in a larch rimmed bowl. A large hunter camp was a comfortable place to stay. Exploratory hikes around the neighborhood took us to 7054' with fantastic views of Silver Star Peak and much of the North Cascades.
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