Mount Forgotten, Stillaguamish Peak — Thursday, Sep. 9, 2004

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

We arrived at the Perry Creek trailhead at 7:30am, hoping to get a hike in before the forecast of afternoon rain materialized. Beautiful sunshine was prevelant until high clouds began to develop around 1:00pm. We never did get rained on. This was a banner morning for views. From Stillaguamish Meadows, the visible peaks were far too many to name, even if I could name them all: Literally, hundreds, in crystal clear clarity. We were astonished, that we could see Baker, Shuksan, the Pickets; and even some of the Border Peaks to the North. Ranier was spectacular. Glacier Peak, being so close, was incredible. Whitehorse,Three Fingers, Pugh, Sloan and Forgotten were unbelievable; as were so many more. WARNING: There is a hornets nest just after you come out of the woods, heading toward Stillaguamish Meadows; maybe a half mile after you get to the junction at the crest. My brother-in-law stepped on the nest, which is right in the middle of the trail, and five seconds later I had ten angry hornets on my face and arms. I was stung several times on the arm, and it is still: swollen, sore and itching 24 hours later: Even with benadryl. Nasty little buggers! No one else on the trail today, until we were nearly back to the trailhead. A couple passed us, who had just seen a bear cub. No problems to report with the trail, except for it being hard to follow just before Stillaguamish Peak. This is an unmaintained trail from the crest. Both Stillaguamish Meadows and Mt. Forgotten Meadows are becoming very red. Can't wait to get pictures back. This is a fantastic day hike on a clear day. 13 miles plus RT. Back to the car at 4:30pm. Espresso milkshakes in Granite Falls at 5:10.