washington

Taking the detour to avoid the fire meant climbing through one more pass. It was worth it though for the beauty on the other side! The alpine lakes were gorgeous and the trail took me to a touch of civilization in Holden Village.

One of my highest mile days around Glacier Peak included a young bear, old trees, rivers and creeks. It was an easy mileage day, but ended with a bit of unnerving news…

Halfway through Section K on the Pacific Crest Trail! I found myself on a roller-coaster of a trail, passing through river valleys and over wildflower filled ridges.

The best views of Glacier Peak are four days north of Steven’s Pass. My day started low and climbed up and up to scenic vistas and wildflower-filled alpine bowls.

My third day on trail was a day of epic proportions and a million photographs. I travelled through incredible alpine meadows, climbed through a transition zone and was stunned by the vision of Glacier Peak. 

I knew I needed to ease myself into my thru-hike. My second day on trail I had all day to hike 11 miles over and through forested and meadowy ridges. My day ended high in the alpine at the lovely Lake Sally Ann.

At the end of July I was back on the Pacific Crest Trail. I was determined to complete the Washington sections I had missed last year. My first day out was a ridge line wander from Steven’s Pass to Pear Lake.

A visit to Mount St Helens Volcanic Monument has been on my PNW bucket list for a while. I had the opportunity to visit and hike in the area on the 38th anniversary since the explosion.

On the second day of my visit to Mountain Loop Highway I hiked to Heather Lake. The 2.2 mile trail climbs about 1000 feet to reach an alpine lake nestled below the north flank of Mt Pilchuk.

September is one of my favourite months for hiking. I often visit the local areas that I avoid during the peak of summer. The trails are quieter, the air is cooler, and there aren’t any bugs! The weather this past month was so fantastic that I actually managed to convince my hubby to join me for a couple overnights. Our first overnight was on the Chain Lakes Loop at Mount Baker.