11 miles of hiking • 3500' elevation gain •
This was a near perfect day for hiking: blue skies, moderate temperatures, brilliant sunshine, and very few people (ran into one heading back after scrambling Mt. Forgotten, 2 others as I headed back to the car). The trail is in very good shape and, except for a quarter mile slog on a road to the old trail head, it is enjoyable. Starting in forest, moss-draped trees welcome you as you shake the dust of civilized chaos and are quickly immersed in the ancient earthiness, disturbed only by the occasional glimpse of a slithering black tar snake that is the Mountain Loop Highway. Soon, however, one escapes the tentacles of uncivilized progress and embarks on the original trail. A moderate but seemingly endless climb begins and the forest bids farewell, ushering you into the sunlight. Cascades are glimpsed across the valley as the colors of autumn reveal themselves. Passing through moss covered stones a pica sounds an alarm, or perhaps it is a greeting? Dickerman's shadow reaches down to shade your path but as you wind along the trail, the crashing waters near and far the only sounds except for the occasional leaf falling from a branch. The air suddenly takes on a determined chill and you arrive at the Perry Creek Falls, so inviting on a heated summer's day but today just a reminder that though the sun is abundant summer has passed the torch. The creek tumbles down noisily as you head up a stairway of haphazard stone to a crossing which is easily managed. Heading back into the forest your way proceeds ever up but soon you realize you are gaining your objective as blue skies replace the the canopy of trees. Coming out into the meadows a frayed carpet of snow greets you, a reminder of what is to come. The views begin opening up, peaks so close you swear you can reach them in but an hour's walk. Climbing to the top of a rocky prominence across from Mount Forgotten a 360 degree panorama unfurls, broken only by a few krumholz whose home you now share. A pair of robber jays soon arrive bearing not greetings but an appetite which, sated not, they soon depart, though not after posing for a few photos. Intoxicated by the heady views and the abundance of Vitamin D, ice axe in hand, the descent from the rocky outpost on dry, icy snow is yet another reminder that summer has fled, or has she simply changed attire?
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