Park Butte — Friday, Aug. 20, 2004

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Very glad to have the Derrs and the Allans with us today. Just over 100 miles and two hours to the TH. Clouds were hanging on the high peaks. Blueberries started right outside the parking lot. The high bush kind are a lot better than the low bush kind, if still a week or two away from peak. We did not see the bear hanging out in the meadow. A few foresty switchbacks, and then more meadow. This trail is very open the whole way. Stay left at all junctions, and notice the lookout above. Wander past the trees and tarns where the best pictures of Koma Kulshan can be taken. The clouds dropped down to about 7000' just before reaching the LO. That was it for views. The LO is in great shape, thanks to adoption by Fred Darvill and the Skagit Alpine Club, the same group who maintains Hidden Lake Peaks LO. You can stay the night, with a gas stove in place, a telescope, and a privy just below. Missing: Views, bugs and crowds. Present: Lewis Monkey flower, berries, and rain on the way out. This trail has some very rocky sections, and a dicey creek crossing over a muddy torrent. Not for the fainthearted. Without the rain and clouds this could be a spectacular hike. 7 miles R/T, a casual 4:30 away from the car.