Berkeley Park — Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023

There was a herd of elk on the road just past the curve at the sunrise view point near the top at around 5 am (still slightly dark).  Easy to find parking at this hour- the sun had not yet risen.  I headed out onto the Sourdough ridge trail at about 5:20 and I think I encountered three people until Frozen lake.  I watched the sun rise at the top of Sourdough in the spot where there is a view to Mt. Rainier as well as the valley toward the North Cascades.  Really beautiful.  I did not come across any other people on the Berkeley park trail until after I reached camp and turned around.  I took my time descending and lingered for photographs and just to pay attention.  Had a good cup of coffee on my favorite rock by the stream on the return, and made my way back out.  There are still wildflowers here in the meadows and larger concentrations of them along the streams.  My goal was to be well on my way back before the sun got too warm on this very hot day but I ended up staying longer than expected and hit the heat on the way back up. Several marmots were hanging out in the usual places along the hillside, as well as a couple of chipmunks.  A pika stuck its head out of a hole with some brush in its mouth on the way back up, but quickly ducked back in when it saw me.  There were four mountain goats (possibly two adults with two young since two of them were much smaller) on the talus up to the right just below the cliff under the Burroughs trail, making their way up carefully.  They were easy to spot since I could hear their careful steps on the loose rock above.  I returned on Sourdough as well this time since it was so hot, and I was ready to get back to the car.  Always thankful for time well spent in these protected areas, and to the the WTA for taking such good care of the trails we frequent.