Easy Pass — Saturday, Aug. 5, 2006

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

A gorgeous hike with incredible views at the pass. Bugs weren't as bad as expected, but they are there. Just don't stop (ha ha). The new log bridge at the first creek crossing is great! (Book says you have to wade through). Nice trail through the woods for the first mile and a half or so. At the creek crossing about a mile in (not the small step-over ones - it's the one with tree branches laid over the creek), it would look easier to cross by the rocks rather than the tree branches, but LOOK OUT FOR THE BEES NEST - it's a nasty one and got stung, and we later came across another hiker who got stung also. Just look out for it. After the forest you're in the sun the rest of the way up, but it's a nice steady ascent up, and you can always see the pass, so you can tell how much farther you have to go. Doesn't get really steep until the end, then you're there! Spectacular views of the peaks and glaciers and fisher creek basin below! Scramble up the hill a ways for even better views of the glaciers. On the way down the rocky trail is hard on the feet, but once you get back to the forest it's nice and cool and easy on the feet.