NOTE: There is a trail running event being held on Sunday October 29th on most of the trails in this trip report - best to avoid if you're looking for a quiet walk in the woods.
Today, however, was a great day for a quiet walk in the woods, apart from one moment towards the end of our hike when a huge buck came charging through the forest and across the trail. At the rate he was going I was half expecting a cougar to be in hot pursuit, but nothing more appeared.
We did a loop up Shangri La, across Bear Ridge, up West Tib, Cougar Pass and Harvey Manning to the viewpoint and then back out on Shangri La.
The leaves are about a quarter to a third down at this point so there is quite a layer of them on some sections of trail, but underneath it has drained well so far so nothing felt too slippery or muddy. Compared to two weeks ago it is noticeably brighter in the forest with the reduced foliage. The Harvey Manning section looked really nice in the low-angle autumn light. And the air is finally clear enough to see Mount Baker from the viewpoint!
No obstacles to speak of - someone has sawed out all the recent blowdowns, so thanks for that!
Comments
WifeHusbandPuppy on Shangri La, Bear Ridge, West Tibbett's Creek Trail (#COUGAR-E10) , Cougar Pass, Harvey Manning Trail
Thank you for telling us about the event. I was going to run there this morning- I would have been very cranky. Went to Grand Ridge instead. Much appreciated!
Posted by:
WifeHusbandPuppy on Oct 29, 2023 02:42 PM