9 miles of hiking • 2500' elevation gain •
The day may not have started out promising, what with gray clouds filling the skies as we traveled forth from Everett, but it turned out to be an absolutely perfect day for a hike. With a reputation as one of the most popular hikes around, we were fortunate to encounter few people along the way as we ventured forth. Breaking out on the ridge, after a memorable workout through the forest, the skies were clear, the views stupendous, Mt. Baker appearing close enough to reach in a few short miles. We were treated to an air show by a pair of hawks and, after the requisite picture taking, we continued on our way along an excellent trail with Baker always before us, Mt. Shuksan to our left, and endless mountains all around. After about 3 miles we avoided the ridge and kept descending into the valley filled with heather, krummholz, plump ripe berries, and the occasional bear scat. After taking lunch near a glacial stream and filling our bellies (and lunch containers) with succulent berries we headed back to the trail head. Temperatures were in the mid-70s, with a gentle cooling breeze. This was a near-perfect day for an absolutely wonderful hike.
Kyle Meyer
September 16, 2013
Super jealous of this adventure.