Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Hiking - Park Butte

A few weekends ago, we headed up to the North Cascades to hike Park Butte Trail.  We got to the trailhead around 1:30 p.m., which is a little late but it turned out to be perfect.  We didn't pass that many people coming up or down, and when we finally reached the top, we had the lookout all to ourselves.

A big meadow at the start of the trail ...

Down the path we go! 

Our group ... about half-way to the top


Mt. Baker ... covered in clouds!

J. and I with Mt. Baker in the background




Up, up, up ... it's always up!

A hidden mountain lake



We finally reached the top ... a restored 1933 fire lookout perched atop a rock pile.  Such a neat little place ... you can reserve the lookout for a night and camp out.  I can't imagine staying up there!

The view from the lookout

Mt. Baker ... still covered in clouds!





Inside the lookout ... very primitive sleeping quarters!





Another shot of Mt. Baker

And then we headed back down the trail ...




On the way down, we stopped at this little lake for Addy and Lucy to splash around







Lucy and her back-pack!

A dirty stream that we had to cross



One last glimpse of Mt. Baker ... it looks like the clouds finally went away!

One more shot of me and J.!



What a great and beautiful hike ... challenging but not too bad.  Perfect for a weekend afternoon!

5 comments:

  1. We are SO lucky to live in such a beautiful area! Love your photos.

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  2. Thanks Stevie! I can't get over how beautiful it is here ... I don't know why anyone would ever leave! Are you going to the cupcake party tonight?

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  3. I can't make it tonight, unfortunately! I have class. I would MUCH rather be decorating (and eating!) cupcakes with all you lovely ladies. Have fun! We'll have to get another blogger meetup organized at some point.

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  4. Hi! It was really nice meeting you tonight and putting a real person to a blog. Love your pictures here they are gorgeous. You have a new follower now. Let me know when you decide on those Quiche tartlettes :)

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  5. Thank you! It was great to meet you as well. I am hoping to try those Quiches this week, but I might have to wait and use my friends coming in next week as my taste testers!

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