Hidden Lake Lookout — Friday, Aug. 22, 2014

North Cascades

Came in later on a Friday afternoon leaving the TH ~4pm. About 8 cars in the parking lot. The trail immediately starts out steep and doesn't really stop. No warm up :) Hiking around Seattle, you forget how steep the North Cascades can be. But no worries, the scenery distracts you. Wildflowers are in full force and the panoramic views give you plenty to look at if you stop and take breaks. 4 miles to the ridge line and stop in awe at the gorgeous Hidden Lake below. We'd already heard by the descending day hikers that the lookout was occupied so we started the decent to the lake. Boulder hopping down took ~30-45 minutes. Look for the cairns. We were one of 3 parties camping at the lake that night. It was chilly and got down to ~42. No rain, a beautiful sunset and sunrise made it all worth it. Too cold for bugs. Plenty of little areas to fill up water. The next morning we headed out and up to the lookout. The jaunt from the ridge to the lookout is nothing. 2 girls who'd been occupying it for a couple of days were leaving. Unfortunately, none of us up there were planning on staying. It's a great little lookout - plenty of supplies and kept very clean. What a great resource. We headed out and passed ~10-15 groups on the way out. Came back ~1pm on a Saturday to a packed parking lot. Stopped at Marblemount Diner (strongly recommended!). Overall, another wonderful weekend off the North Cascades Highway!