Day2
2142ft gain/1766ft loss 9.72 miles. More uphill awaits us, and we’re eager to get going, to see the famed Image Lake, a lake that reflects the image of Glacier Peak, for those lucky enough to capture it. I have my doubts now, as once again, the thick haze left over from the fires in BC fill the air. Not very conducive to long range photos.
Packing our gear, we begin the 1.5 miles uphill to Cloudy Pass, and this time the uphill grade is moderate, beginning in the trees that line the shores of Lyman Lake, and then switchbacks uphill through alpine firs that gradually thin, and give way to impressive meadows, that undulate like folds in a rumpled blanket, carpeted in lush green and dotted with huge patches of wildflowers. A stream runs down through it all, creating tiny waterfalls at perfect intervals, again, I’m reminded of a garden that is perfectly planned and maintained.
With all the flowers in bloom, it’s hard to imagine. It’s here that we meet the trail crew that is working in the area, and we thank them for their hard work. The trail rounds the bowl here in the meadow, and as you reach above tree line, you have distant views of Lower Lyman Lake, and the reaches of Upper Lyman Lakes, and its attendant glacier.
The glacier is at the base of Chiwawa Mt. and it is reminiscent of most of the dark gray granite that forms most of the peaks and mountains in this region. But, joining it is the flanks of Red Mt., aptly named for its rust red hue, which stands in stark contrast to the darker granite. Stunning, with its adornment of snow fields that only help to accentuate its ruddy hue. That, and the turquoise blue of the lakes below, held back by stands of green firs, and carpets of lush green that stop only at the piles of glacier tailings, make for a sight not normally seen here in the state.
I can hardly wait to see it up close, but we’re saving that for tomorrow…I can only hope the weather holds. We reach the gap that forms Cloudy Pass, and are able to look across the other side towards Suiattle Pass, and down into the valley that separates this pass from peaks that face us to the northwest, Plummer Mt, and further north, Sitting Bull Mountain. These peaks, too, are that rust colored orange red, and the snow fields that melt from their heights help create the headwaters of Agnes Creek.
A great pass to see for long distances, and the flanks of snow covered Glacier Peak are barely discernable around the unnamed foothills here. Down the pass, are several switchbacks for another .6 miles, before heading up towards Suiattle Pass, and it requires clambering over fallen granite slabs and chunks that dot the run out right below the granite walls here. Suiattle Pass is dotted with trees that cut off any sight lines you have, so it isn’t nearly as impressive as Cloudy Pass, although here it becomes the PCT, and we will stay on it for the next .7 miles.
…It seems as out of place here as a water fountain…
Again, we’re heading slightly downhill through small step meadows, filled with flowers, and at one small section is a hillside bursting in the orange colors of Tiger Lilies. Right after the trail that we’re following leaves the PCT, we enter a small clearing in the woods, and see…A folding metal chair, sitting in the campsite here? Who in the world would bring one of those this far into the woods? It seems as out of place here as a water fountain. Then, looking to our right, hidden behind a couple trees, is an old miner’s cabin built out of plywood, with a tin roof, and suddenly, the chair makes more sense. There are still a couple of bunk beds inside, and all of the old metal stoves, and assorted other detritus lie in a pile outside the cabin. This whole area used to be mined as late as the 1950’s, so it shouldn’t be surprising to see it here, as odd as it seems…
These must have been some hardy individuals to have lived this far out. From here, the trail hugs Miner’s Ridge, and is remarkably flat and straight for the next 1.5 miles, to the next trail junction, that begins a steep switchback uphill. It’s mostly through old growth forest, occasionally broken up by an avalanche slide here and there, providing you sweeping views of the mountainous terrain to your south, across the Miner’s creek valley below, over to the snow covered points of Glacier Peak, and its surrounding ridges. Still in tree line, you finally reach the trail junction that leads up to Image Lake, and within .7 of a mile, you open up to one of the largest hillside meadows I’ve ever seen! The scale of it is hard to imagine, here above tree line.
Marmots are everywhere, and you can hear their shrill whistle above the steady wind that blows here…
The trail continues to side hill here through the meadows, and it disappears from sight around the second or third fold. It’s steep here, and I can’t recall a steeper or more expansive meadow. Very impressive! Marmots are everywhere, and you can hear their shrill whistle above the steady wind that blows here. Now, with all the trees below us, we have sweeping, panoramic views of the ridges, peaks, and mountains that hem in the ridgeline that we now stand on. They are awesome, and it’s hard to believe there are so many lined up, as far as the eye can see. It’s incredible that a way was found through all of them, as densely packed as they seem to be, one next to the other.
…Pictures will never do justice to the physical moment of being there, the rush of wind coming up to greet you, the smells of wildflowers, the various bird songs, and sounds of moving water, all combine with the overwhelming spectacle that assails your eyes…
We reach the final meadow, and at a 4 way intersection, head downhill a ¼ mile to Image Lake camp. Once again, we are the only souls here, so we have our pick of campsites, and choose the lower campground, which is partially sheltered by trees. The upper campground is out in the open, and with the possible threat of thundershowers, we opt for the sheltered sites. Lightening the load, we only bring the bare essentials with us, and decide on a day trip to see a Fire lookout tower at the far reaches of Miner’s Ridge. It’s only a 2.6 mile round trip, and the views from here are impossible to describe. 360 degree panoramic views of some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain I’ve ever seen. The scope is difficult to comprehend. Pictures will never do justice to the physical moment of being there, the rush of wind coming up to greet you, the smells of wildflowers, the various bird songs, and sounds of moving water, all combine with the overwhelming spectacle that assails your eyes.
I simply do not have the command of the English language to adequately describe the sights and sounds that can only be experienced by being there. Truly astounding. We climb to the top of the fire station, to see what a working one looks like, and what the view is like from up here. We had met the ranger further down the trail, on his way to re-supply himself with water from the lake, and he told us it was ok to go up and have a look. Talk about a room with a view!
We take our pictures, then head back to camp, only hoping that some of the pictures turn out through the constant haze of the day…Once we reach the lakeshore, we see another group of hikers that have made the plunge into Image lake, and after two days on the trail, we can’t wait to do the same, so from our side of the lake, we peel off the dirty layers, and dive in! It’s cold, creating an impossible urge to let out a few exuberant “Whoo’s!!!” which is met with laughter from the other side.
…we don packs and trek back to camp wearing nothing but our UnderArmor. I won’t tell, if you don’t…
Once properly cleaned, and refreshed, we lounge at the edge of the lake, glad to be clean, and enjoy the warm rays of sun as they dry us out. It’s a funny little parade on the short way back to camp…I mean, who wants to put your wet, dirty shorts back on after that? With no one around to point and laugh, we don packs and trek back to camp wearing nothing but our UnderArmor. I won’t tell, if you don’t…
Dry with clean clothes on, we set about preparing dinner, and Greg has once again brought a veritable feast! Tonight will be Salmon pasta, with mashed potatoes, and boy is it great! After a minor mishap with the noodles, we get the recipe down just right, and enjoy a great meal. Thanks again, Greg!!!