12 miles of hiking • 3750' elevation gain •
Loaded up the backpacks with bear canisters filled with brown rice for a training circuit up to Phlox Point and Hamilton Mountain. Used the XC "short-cut" north of the powerlines to make the loop from the Hamilton Mountain TH. Phlox Point had enough glacier lilies to elicit some cooing and we found a treasure trove of calypso orchids down lower near the cabin. The trillium were in fine form, especially between the horse bridge and Don's Cut Off. Great mountain views, including a dramatic double lenticular cloud over Mt. Adams. A beautiful sunny day.
