This hike, Excelsior Pass, and Church Mountain are all in close succession along the Mount Baker Highway, and all are challenging hikes that reward you with good (and fairly similar) views. I like to alternate between them because I think they each have their own charms (or punish you in somewhat different ways, if you like). I chose Welcome Pass today to keep the total mileage and gain a little lower. Though I'm not sure it's actually easier than the other two, because you do most of the gain in a single brutal mile.
Started at 7:30 am to try to beat the heat. Didn't really work, it was already hot by the 2nd mile, though I'm sure it would have been worse later in the day. Couldn't beat the smoke, either - I didn't smell it and breathing wasn't hard but visibility was definitely reduced. That being said, even a so-so day in the North Cascades beats a good day at work. The berries were everywhere - my fingers were purple by the time I turned around, 1.5 miles along the High Divide. There were some bugs, but they weren't too bad if you kept moving, and once I got to the pass there was a breeze that kept most of them away.
Looking forward to heading up one of the other two trails when it gets a little cooler and there is less smoke.
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