Chelan Summit — Saturday, Aug. 5, 2000

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth

We started out Sunday afternoon up War Creek going only as far as the cabin and stayed there overnight. On up to Juanita Lake the next day and camped on a ridge overlooking the valley. A side trip to Purple Pass is an absolute must, it was the most spectacular view on the entire trip. Next day proceeded down #1259 and stayed at Horseshoe Basin with a side trip up to Tuckaway Lake. Over the next few days we went over passes and down the other sides. The bugs were kind of bad when you stopped and in the evenings at camp but they disappeared at night and especially in the last 2 mornings when there was a little frost. The heat was awful for us Western Washingtonians not used to the higher temperatures, but we are not complaining as it didn't rain. The trail was in good condition but very dusty, sometimes a few inches of dust, due to the horse use. We saw very few people and few horses. Only a couple of motorbikes at Boiling Lake. We had a little excitement at Boiling Lake as there were many people looking for a lost hiker. And a helicopter flew in to pick up some of the searchers. We went up over Angels Staircase and down the Foggy Dew Trail to end our 6 day adventure. Beautiful views and recommended by these 4 women hikers.