Day 5: Deception Pass to Mig Lake (14.1 miles)
Today was a fantastic day for scenery and the trail reminded me a lot of hiking the John Muir Trail.
I started my hiking day around 7:30, quickly passing through the relatively flat saddle of Deception Pass.
Morning light on the ridgeline
The next couple miles wound northward along the west side of a ridge. The scree slopes offered some great views of the next ridge west as well as some chances for pika spotting!
Three miles along I reached Deception Lakes, a perfectly scenic spot to take a morning break. I had the place to myself and so cooled my heels for a short while on a large rock jutting out into the lake.
The sun rising on Deception Lake
View of Glacier Lake from above
Descending into Glacier Basin
Next up was a short but steep climb to Pieper Pass. Once over the pass I was treated to views of Glacier and Surprise Lakes below me.
The downhill from the pass was pretty rugged. The trail switchbacked through a scree and talus field full of ankle twisting rocks. I was grateful to make it to the valley floor.
Another half mile or so along I took a short spur trail to get me to the boulder-filled shoreline of Glacier Lake. There were some folks camping there and relaxing for the day so it turned out to be a social lunch.
Lunchtime view at Glacier Lake
After only slightly delaying the inevitable I was back on trail. I had another steep climb ahead to reach Surprise Pass.
I reached the pass with only minimal breaks to catch my breath. Thankfully there was a great spot to take a break at the pass, and some other hikers to chat with.
Below Surprise Pass I could see beautiful Trap Lake. The trail stayed a few hundred feet above it. It’s certainly now on my list for a weekend visit!
Gorgeous Trap Lake
The next few miles were an up and down ramble along the east side of a ridge line. My original goal was Hope Lake but I was pretty disappointing by what I saw and so decided to press on another mile to Mig Lake.
I’m very very glad I kept going. Mig Lake was much more open and scenic. Even more surprising was seeing hubby walk up only about 15 minutes after I got there. He had spontaneously decided to hike in and spend the night with me, instead of just seeing me at Steven’s Pass. He brought fresh apples, brownies, and a bottle of wine. I felt so spoiled!
It was a wonderful evening spent catching up. I’m so grateful to have such an amazing supporter on this adventure of mine.
Lovely Mig Lake
1 comment
nice your husband was able to join you and how he supports you