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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Day 7: Lake Valhalla to Lake Janus.
The morning of my seventh day on trail I woke up in pain. My legs were so stiff, particularly my shins. As I got moving, got my pack on, and hit the trail, I realised that I likely would be unable to keep going. I came to the conclusion that it was the end of the road for my time on trail. -
Day 6: Mig Lake to Valhalla Lake.
Today was a resupply day. My day was split in the middle with a couple hours’ break at Stevens Pass resort. I got to have coffee, a fresh lunch and took some time to refill and reorganize my pack. -
Day 5: Deception Pass to Mig Lake (14 miles)
Today was a fantastic day for scenery and the trail reminded me a lot of hiking the John Muir Trail. I crossed over 3 passes and saw half a dozen alpine lakes. -
DAY 4: Waptus River to Deception Pass (14.8 miles)
Today’s miles were fueled by berries. Thimbleberries, blueberries, and huckleberries carpeted the trail side. Not only did they help me keep going, but they gave me a reason to slow down. To see the little things that this world offers. The juicy, sweet, and tart little things. -
My second day in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness would take me 2500 feet up, through an alpine cirque, and then 2500 feet down. I’d pass through some lovely meadow, by a couple alpine tarns and then back into the montane forest.
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DAY 2: Ridge Lake to Lemah Creek.
Today’s hike is brought to you by the word “wow.” Today’s section was a truly incredible trail. Already the Alpine Lakes Wilderness outweighed my expectations.