Back on the Trail

After way too long away from the trail due to knee and foot issues, this summer involved a series of Seattle-based hikes to figure out what was still possible, and hopefully get in shape for a road trip and a backpack or two. Each hike was carefully (conservatively) selected to push things a bit further, but not so much that it flared things up again. Also in the selection criteria was coolness, smoke free, and decent weather. Karen joined for some, and Tom went solo on others.

First up was out of the Sunrise area of Mt Rainier ... Mt Fremont Lookout. A spectacular day, and it did wonders for the soul ... getting above treeline and communing with our old friend (Mt R). We were on the early end, so crowds weren't significant. The timed-entry permit system for that area of the Park probably played a role, too.

Fremont Peak and Lookout

The mighty Mt Rainer

Next was Annette Lake, near Snoqualmie Pass. It wasn't anything spectacular, but had some nice forest, and a few views.

Beautiful Forest approaching Annette Lake

Very tiny, still mouse by trail. Sitting duck IMO.

The third hike was Mt McCauland near Stevens Pass. We had been in this area a few years ago, but we didn't get to the top at that time. We also used a different approach this time. The long-distance views showed a bit of smoke, but nothing that bothered us hiking. And the view of Lake Valhala and jagged Lichtenberg Mtn was outstanding.

Lichtenberg Mtn and Lake Valhala

Smoky Cascade Ridges

Another visit to Snoqualmie Pass followed, this time to Red Pass through Commonwealth Basin. Pretty smoky, and pretty much a grunt, but all went well.

Ridge near Red Pass

Smoky view from near Red Pass

The last of these hikes was to Gem Lake, again near Snoqualmie Pass (popular since it's only an hour from Seattle). We got engaged on the top of nearby Wright Mtn way too many years ago. But the trail is great, and the lake's setting is crazy beautiful. However, heavy low clouds and fog engulfed me during the early part of the hike. But they started breaking up during the long traverse next to (beautiful) Snow Lake. And finally bluebird skies when I arrived at Gem Lake. Most excellent.