20 miles of hiking • 6000' elevation gain •
Incredible day! Began at the Norway Pass trailhead on the Boundary Trail. Hooked a right on the Lakes Trail at Bear Pass. Dodged off-trail after a couple of dropdead gorgeous miles through the lakes area, and followed elk trails over to Venus Lake. Bushwhacked from there up to the top of Mount Venus and celebrated there with a light lunch. Continued back eastward after lunch, along a high unnamed ridge, heading generally towards the northwest end of Mount Whittier. The day (literally) culminated with that ultimate traverse across Whittier Ridge. The sun was setting as we rejoined the Boundary Trail, and began heading back towards the trailhead. That last hour on the trail was only possible with headlamps. What a day!!! :-D
