Hiked Lake Janus after years of passing the turnoff from the Lake Valhalla Mt McCausland route. There is no privy at the TH so a stop at Stevens Pass may be in order.  Smithbrook Road is in decent shape, but very narrow in places, so requires cooperation and courtesy. Thanks to all for using available pullouts.

The first short section of trail, shared by Valhalla, is overgrown and needs brushing. Until that’s done, plan to get wet with morning dew and “bugged” later in the day. Once in the woods the trail is delightful, climbing 7-800 feet up then down to the lake, with one easily navigated blow down and wasp nest as the only hazards.

After 3 1/2 peaceful miles through deep forest you’ll reach the quiet, nearly deserted lake. The shoreline and campsites were empty when we arrived and we passed only a dozen other hikers all day, several bound farther along the PCT, leaving Lake Janus for a lucky few. Campsites were spacious and level and privy in good condition. Bugs minimal midday.

Thanks to our Mountaineers leader for posting. We had a great day out and will enjoy again another time. Perhaps with a backpack!

Final note - one in our party lost her phone. Please reach out if found.

When I arrived at the Smith Brook Trail trailhead there were only a few other cars. When I got back in the afternoon the place was packed with lots of cars parked along the road. Most of these hikers were going to Lake Valhalla. The first 1/4 mile of the trail needs to be brushed out. Note there is no restroom at this trailhead. With as popular as this trail is you would think the Forest Service would have installed a one by now. They have three for the Iron Goat Trail. Once I got up to the trail junction with the PCT at Union Gap I turned right to head north on the PCT. After a short snack break, I started down the trail on my search for the old junction with the Cascade Crest Trail about a mile from Union Gap.

Last year on September 1st I hiked the PCT 4 miles north of Stevens Pass and found the junction with the old Cascade Crest Trail 1.5 miles south of Lake Valhalla. My 1973 Green Trails map showed the CCT trail (this was the trail route prior to the present day PCT being rerouted to go through Union Gap and by Lake Valhalla) going to Trico Pass with a trail junction. The trail west went to meet the Kelley Creek Trail and the one north went 4 miles to Lake Janus. I have seen old Forest Service trail signs at this junction. The old CCT trail is also shown on the 1964 Pargeter 3-D map, "The North Cascades" by Richard Pargetter as "NM", not maintained.

After getting to the area on the PCT where I thought the old CCT was located I could not find any sign of it. No old blazes or cut logs. Plus, the berry bushes and brush are pretty heavy. Also, no sign of the old trail being used as a game trail. So, looks like this section of the old CCT is lost forever. It was now about lunch time, so I found a good log to sit on in the shade with no bugs flying around. I did meet a few thru hikers on the PCT going north. One guy was from the Czech Republic and had started his trip on May 4th. from the Mexico border.

When I finished lunch, I headed back to Union Gap. Along the way I could see a meadow down below the PCT, so decided to check it out. I hiked down through the forest to get a good view of it. Years ago, there used to be a packbackers campsite by the meadow. It was mentioned in the book, "High Trails, A Guide to the Cascade Crest Trail" by Robert H. Wills published in 1962. This meadow has a stream wondering though it.

From Union Gap I headed back down the Smithbrook Trail to the parking lot. Meet lots of hikers going to and from Lake Valhalla. One young woman said it was a "zoo". Someone's dog kept barking the whole time she was at the lake. So, head to Lake Janus instead for a quieter time.

I had fun looking for the old Cascade Crest Trail off the PCT, even though I did not find it. During my two trips through Union Gap, I never met Gary Puckett. He didn't show up. George

The hike to Grizzly Peak has an elevation gain closer to 3400' rather than what is listed here, but don't let that dissuade you. A hike of more than 16 miles is rather long for a day hike, but the trail is varied enough with lots of smooth tread that makes it feel not quite so exhausting, with the climbs broken up by nearly level sections. The 5+ miles getting up to the ridge are nothing to write home about, but once you reach the crest the views are heavenly! The trail winds along the ridge among lush wildflower meadows and wetland areas, crossing back and forth to give you views on both sides. The summit itself is an explosion of wildflowers, and--later in the season--berries. You're likely to meet mostly PCT through-hikers, but if you're in reasonably good shape, don't leave this one just to the backpackers!

Set out for Lake Valhalla. Had a lovely trip to Lake Valhalla… to be informed that we actually went north when we should have gone south. So, had a great afternoon at Lake Janus! Three rescue doggos had a great time playing in the lake. The bugs seemed to be more of an annoyance to them. Trail was well-maintained. A little overgrown near the trailhead, but not horrible.