Much delayed I know, but I was out of town for 10 days and I am just now getting the pics posted!
Here are all pics from this hike and the trip to Rainier (Part I)
http://weathercrazy.smugmug.com/Landsca ... ainier-914
This was at least my 7th hike of this trail, and probably one of my favorites.
I talk about perfect hiking conditions, and this was pretty close to ideal. The night before had ended with rain and fog, you couldn't see 10 feet in front of you. I awoke around 3 AM to completely clear skies and the Mountain out in all it's glory.
I couldn't pass up the opportunity to hike in this freshly washed environment!
Starting at Reflection Lakes
The morning started off rather inspirational
Even the short walk on the road...
It was somewhat dreamy
Everything was covered in a fine layer of mist/rain from the evening before
With the sun shining, all of the colors seemed to pop
Looking down into Steven's Canyon below
No bear this time, but the views were amazing
Louise Lake
The trail next to a tarn
Two suns, or more accurately, the sun's reflection
One of my favorite parts of the hike is this section on Mazama Ridge looking east. The colors are great. Earlier in the year, it's the smell of huckleberries on the breeze coming up the ridge over the trail...
It was chillier higher up with a bit of frost on the left over summer wildflowers
I think this is penstemon???
Entering the reason it's called Skyline
This patch of snow was completely across the trail back in August
The Paradise Valley with Mt. St. Helens in the distance
If this isn't motivation, I'm not sure what is
Mt. Hood, just a little ways to the south. Goes to show you just how clear the air was
High Rock Lookout, which I did last year
Another favorite part of the trail is entering the Paradise Valley. The trail skirts above the road and passes a couple of small creeks. Great area.
The fall colors were nice, but would be even better when I returned the following week.
The tourist area of Paradise with low clouds beyond.
Louise Lake...I sat up here for about a half hour.
By then, a few clouds had worked their way up toward Reflection Lake...only adding to the beauty.
All in all, only about 5 miles with 1,600' of elevation gain for all of that beauty. I took my sweet time completely the loop as for me, there is no reason to hike if you have to be in a hurry!
