LOST: Wed Aug 24 at Dock Butte trailhead: Camera Sony NEX 5T in black case. Left on car bumper... assuming it fell off we I drove off at 3:30 pm. Went back up to trailhead today and did not find. Any chance someone picked it up, please contact me. Thank you. caphiker@gmail.com

What a spectacular day hike! I get asked "What is your favorite hike?" pretty often as a WTA staff person, and I've have yet to perfect my answer. It's usually just the last hike I went on. Dock Butte, however, might remain my answer for a few weeks to come. It was difficult enough to feel rewarding, but short enough to not be too intimidating to less active (or newer) hikers. The views were spectacular and the road to the trailhead is in near perfect condition. This was the perfect hike to introduce one of my Hike-a-Thon sponsors to the North Cascades. We arrived at the trailhead around noon, having gotten a later start out of Seattle than we meant to. I was surprised to find only 6 other cars in the parking lot that is shared with the Blue Lake trailhead. The bathroom at the trailhead was even in great condition (hey, it's the little things, right?). We ended up seeing only 10 other hikers the whole afternoon in three different groups. As mentioned in previous trip reports, there were definitely flies (of the aggressive variety) and other biting bugs in the parking lot and along the trail. We were lucky enough to have a pretty windy day that kept them at bay, but don't forget your bug spray if you're heading out on this hike regardless of the forecast. The trail is in great condition with the exception of about three logs you have hop/climb/jump over. There's one low-hanging dead tree about 2/3 of a mile in that I neglected to see. My hiking partner said "heads up" right as my hat and head were connecting with it... Folks taller than 5'7" won't miss it, and folks shorter than me shouldn't have a problem, but if you're my height and wearing a hat that obscures things at about that height, don't forget to look up B-). Hiking poles were definitely helpful on the way down, though we only had one pair between the two of us and I did just fine in sturdy hiking boots. My GPS tracker logged exactly 4 miles round trip, and we took the slightly longer, less steep route up, and the steeper scramble down. (Not my normal choice of route, but the variety was nice and there were only one or two short sections where you were actually "scrambling" down.) We had the summit completely to ourselves! I'm not sure if it was the unusual midday start time or if this trail is always lightly trafficked, but it was a real treat.

I hoped to encounter few people on the trail and I wasn't disappointed. Bugs were pretty annoying (I got bitten by a horsefly or deerfly in the parking lot) and they were very bad at the very top so I didn't linger there very long. I encountered LOTS of butterflies (fritillaries), western toads and a number of spruce grouse. You do have opportunities for amazing views from about 1.5 miles and beyond. Bring poles because the final ascent (even on the rampling trail) is a trail with lots of loose rocks and not much room. It was very hazy looking south today so couldn't see any significant peaks to the south. Only other thing I would say is that both my phone and Fitbit logged this trail at almost 6 mi. roundtrip. Anybody else experience that?

We had such a fun time. We got a late start this morning and reached the trailhead around 12:45. We didn't pass anyone on our ascent, and only three people on the return. Everything was bright and sunny, and not too bad. The breeze kicked up when needed and made it so pleasant. The views were incredible. It was lots of fun pointing out to the husband what some of the peaks and waters were. Couple tricky spots over some big rocky patches, but nothing we couldn't handle being slow and safe. I have wanted to hike this one since I started looking around at hiking. I have no idea why I wanted to do it so badly, but I did and now I have! I completely recommend doing it. It took us a few hours, but so worth it. Having Mt. Baker watching over me as we went kept me going.

On HW20, Turn left to baker lake road which is after mile marker82, about 22miles from I5, then about 12 miles turn left to FS12, that has no sign and gravel, but there is a 'don't litter' sign at the junction, on FS12, there are a couple of Y junctions in the first 3.5 miles, always stay to the left when in doubt. After the first 3.5 miles, there will be signs, take Blue lake direction. Arrived blue lake TH around 12:30pm, took the last parking spot, Trail is in good condition, but about 1/3 has roots and rocks, flys are buzzing around all the way in and out even re-applied bug spray/wipe, 1/3 trail and the top are exposed, sun lotion is needed, also because of the gain, a pole will be helpful. On the top, it is 360 degree beautiful mountain and lake view.