My buddy and I headed east for a couple of days.  We hiked Thunder Knob where I met Muledeer!  We have been exchanging comments on Trip Reports for years, but I did not know her.  The Thunder Knob trail is dry, but easy to hike.

The second stop was Washington Pass Overlook.  The road from the highway to the parking lot was plowed, but the gate was closed.  We walked from the highway.  There was snow from the parking lot to the overlook, but it was easy to walk on it.  The mountains looked impressive with the snow that remains on them.

We drove to Winthrop, had dinner, and drove up to Sun Mountain Lodge.  We hiked the Sun Mountain trails in the evening and were mesmerized by the beautiful flowers and setting.

This morning we headed west on Hwy 20 and stopped to hike Driveway Butte.  This is a very steep hike with great views and plenty of wildflowers.  I found a grouse booming in a meadow at 5,500'.

We hiked a total of 11 miles and enjoyed our trip immensely.  This is a good time to visit the Methow Valley.  The mornings are cool and the trails are excellent.

We took this short little hike as part of our North Cascades outing today. The trail is in good shape and the views are great. The footbridge over the creek has not been put back yet, but there is a log to cross on. You can walk, crawl or butt scoot and it's a short distance. If you want to get your feet wet, just wade across. While at the top viewpoint, who should I run into but the inspiring photographer and trip reporter extraordinaire, Geezerhiker!! It was fun to chat with him a bit.  The campground is closed, but there is a loo behind the trailhead sign. FYI Cascadian Farms opens on 5/10 for the ice crean addicts. Not much floral splendor, one little section of death camas, chickweed monkeyflower and saxifrage. Flowering currant is just about done. 

Such a nicely maintained trail!

Had a lovely Sunday hike up Thunder Knob with the family. Trail is in great condition. Perfect for kids and pups with a great payoff view at the end! 

Hiked this in the late afternoon sun and the view was great from the lookout. The trail is in good condition once you get past the creek crossing just beyond the trailhead. It’s also completely snow free to the top. Great short day hike!