Sourdough Gap, Crystal Lake — Friday, Aug. 8, 2008

Met Brooklake Hikers in FW this morning & 7 of us (and 3 dogs) headed out in drizzly weather for Chinook Pass. Hard rain just past Enumclaw. Rain let up by the time we reached the MRNP but there was thick fog heading up to the pass. A little nervous drive! At trailhead cool, breezy, overcast. Trail has several open slopes early on which wildflowers are putting on a show. Maybe not yet at their peak but close. Since I had people with me more knowledgeable about flora than me, I'll list some here. Noted columbine, phlox, scarlet and magenta (higher up) paintbrush, tigerlillies, elephant heads, rosy spirea, ""mouse on a stick"" (anenomes), mt heather, fireweed, velerian, etc. It is an easy couple of miles or so to Sheep Lake. Some people camping there. Sun actually came out and was out off and on rest of day. Trail somewhat steepens to pass but is not long. Saw a deer on the way to the pass. Also, horse droppings on trail but no sign of any horses. Up at pass a bit windy but clearing up so we had views of surrounding peaks, etc. Marmots on the rocky slopes around gap. We continued on to overlook of Crystal Lake and Peak and ambled down to a ledge where we had lunch. Even Mt Rainier came out from behind the clouds periodically. 3 of us from group decided to hike down to Upper Crystal Lake. On the way, Woody and I looked for possible paths up to Crystal Mountain and the neighboring peaks. I think we may have found one for future use. A few people down at the lake. We talked a couple into making the trek up to the gap. We met back up with the group at Sheep Lake. Heading back, Goober Canari, Deanna, and I lengthened out our strides and made good time back to the parking lot. Good hike for kids, especially to Sheep Lake. Threatening skies again later as we returned to lowlands. Great day to be up in the mts!