From our camp at Lake Janus we did a 5 mile hike to Grizzly Peak. The trail gains 1100 ft in 1.5 miles to a ridge at 5200 ft and the first view of Glacier Peak. About 1/2 mile prior to this there was a meadow campsite with available water. On our return there was a group of 3 camped here. The fall colors were superb along the remaining trail to Grizzly Peak! Glasses Lake can be seen about 1/2 mile beyond the ridge. Margaret Lake can be seen next on the west side of the trail. Soon we could see Mount Hinman and Mount Daniel. Heather Lake was next to be viewed with Glacier Peak seen above. As we progressed we could see Mt Rainier and Mt Stuart! We had lunch at the 5597 ft summit of Grizzly Peak with a view of Glacier Peak and Mt Baker! What an awesome day with beautiful fall colors and views to lakes and peaks!

We began our 3 day 2 night backpack at the Smithbrook TH 3950 ft gaining 800 ft in 1 mile to the PCT at Union Gap. From here we hiked north loosing 700 ft in about a mile. The trail continues 1.25 more miles climbing to Lake Janus at 4100 ft. This is where we set up our camp. 3 other sites were occupied that night. Skies were clear until about 8:30 and then fog rolled in. The temperature in the AM was 37.

The morning started out overcast but the sun began to make it's appearance early afternoon - of course on my way back to the trailhead. Entered through Smith Brook road trailhead hiking to Lake Valhalla first and spent about 30 minutes at the "beach". Lichtenberg Mt. should be ablaze in color in about three weeks. The fall colors are just starting to change especially on the east side of Stevens Pass. I was quite surprised at the lack of huckleberries on the bushes-not even green ones. Went back to Union Gap and then headed over to Lake Janus. Several groups were camping at the lake. Once again there were no huckleberries, green or otherwise, and last year they were abundant. Hmmm...maybe our unusual summer weather has something to do with this. Had thought about going back to Grizzly Peak however the cloud coverage was still heavy and low so put it off for another day. Both trails were in good shape - muddy in places which is expected with all the wet weather we've had lately. Another great day the mountains.

We spent two fabulous nights at Lake Janus with a day hike in-between to a gorgeous meadow/viewpoint just beyond Grizzly Peak. To correct some of the information here: - The cumulative elevation gain to Janus is only 900'. It's somewhat steep until you hit the junction with the PCT and then flat to downhill the rest of the way from there. A very easy hike - we saw plenty of kids, dogs, and overpackers - From Janus to Grizzly is 4.7 miles and about 1500' elevation gain. All the way along is cushy trail, and most of it has good views. So, you really won't notice until you're headed back down Huckleberries are everywhere, but green. Give it a few weeks and there will be TONS of trail candy. Not too many bugs. There are plenty of good campsites at the lake and a nice toilet. There's no water easily accessible from Janus to Grizzly at this time, so bring some with you. The lake is shallow enough for semi-warm swimming. Also, no NW Forest Pass needed at the trailhead. Enjoy!

We accessed the PCT through the trailhead off the Smith Brook Road, about four miles past the Stevens Pass ski area. The left turn off US2 is clearly marked. The gravel road to the parking lot is easily drivable. The Forest Service should provide a pit toilet at the parking lot--bushes around the lot had evidence of old toilet paper. Carry it out, people! A short walk up through big trees led to Union Gap, the PCT, and a choice: left to Lake Valhalla, right to Lake Janus. The trail to Janus had lots of mud, mosquitoes, and several big blowdowns. Although a group of young people were working to improve the trail, they did not have the power saws that would be needed to get those big trees off the trail. We should have gone to Lake Valhalla!