Gothic Basin - Mountain Loop Highway, WA

Having seen some pictures of Gothic Basin which reminded me of Desolation Wilderness in Lake Tahoe basin, I decided to hike up to Gothic to see its beautiful landscape with my own eyes before winter comes. In short, the hike was rather strenuous, but the reward was more than what I expected. The route climbs steeply through the forest and traverses deeply eroded gullies and alpine terrain. The vistas along the trail are amazing! It is said that Gothic Basin is one of the most spectacular and beautiful on the Mountain Loop Highway.

You have to trek an extra mile to get to Gothic Basin trailhead from where you park at Barlow Pass....the paved road ends there. From the trailhead to the basin is 3.3 miles and the trail ends at Foggy Lake by Del Campo Peak.
About 0.5 mile from the trailhead is easy without much grade. The trail begins to get steep in switchbacks soon after you cross the first creek. The creek was a little tricky to cross because of rapid stream (but, not deep!) and just a few slender logs laid down for crossing. The steep switchbacks kick your butt, no doubt.....be ready to get your heart rate going.
After a mile or so climbing up the steep switchbacks, the next challenge you face is a rocky trail. It's steep with rocks and stones all the way to the basin. Your hands become handy to assist you to ascend depending on steepness and the size of boulders to climb over. Scrambling is not necessary, however.

No pain, no gain! After the strenuous ascent, you deserve the beauty of Gothic Basin's magical landscape. There are many trails and boulders you can hike in the basin. I spent an hour and half exploring the basin and Foggy Lake, but the time passed so fast...I only wished I had more time! Gothic Basin would be a perfect place for camping leisurely to enjoy the beautiful landscape and alpine boulders.

Along the journey, there are many water falls, small and large, close and distant....some are breathtakingly spectacular and make you stop for a picture or two. Take your time and enjoy the scenery along the way....waterfalls and mountain views. You also cross many creeks in this hike. Since there was significant rainfall the day before, water was streaming down along parts of the trail. Sneakers are not recommended for this hike....summer is gone!
Gothic Basin is a beautiful hike of spectacular landscape and terrain with numerous creeks, alpine forest and lakes, boulders, waterfalls and breathtaking mountain peaks. By the way, Gothic Basin is on State Land and is not managed by the US Forest Service.

Church Mountain - Mt. Baker/WA

You notice a towering peak coming into sight between forest lines along HWY 542 when you drive toward Mt. Baker from the ranger station in Glacier. The peak is Church Mountain. Ever since I noticed the majestic appearance of the peak en route to Mt. Baker, climbing Church was one of my bucket lists. I finally made it yesterday. 

Church Mountain is an awesome hike....."no pain, no gain" is well fitting. Although the hike may be a bit strenuous (3,750 ft elevation gain in 4.2 miles), it's worth the effort for the reward you see on the way and at the summit. The trail is well maintained. After 3 miles of hard climbing in numerous steep switchbacks through the deep forest of tall tree growth, the trail comes into an alpine meadow.....be ready to get awestruck by breathtaking views of Church's towering wall and landscape.

As you traverse the meadow, enjoy picturesque Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan juxtaposing on the skyline. Once you cross Deer Horn Creek, the trail begins to climb up again leaving the alpine basin. The view of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan gets even better as you gain more elevation into 6,000 ft.

Continue the journey up to the old lookout site on the rocky peak at 6,100 ft. Use caution, however, while climbing up to the rocky top. Wow...the summit offers spectacular 360 panorama in all directions. To be frank, it's one of the best panoramas I've ever seen. Stand on between heaven and earth, and take in all the glory of God's creation and spectacular landscape from Church....Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, North Cascades, British Columbia, Kidney Lakes, San Juans, and the vicinity - Skyline Divide, Table Mountain, Ptarmigan Ridge and much more as far as you can see.

It was quite intriguing to watch a hiker I met at the summit flying a drone for aerial filming. Obviously, recreational activities like flying a drone is allowed if not in designated wilderness. In fact, the drone's aerial footage of Church gives a different perspective of the hike and amazing views of the mountain and landscape. Here is the link to watch the drone's aerial views of Church Mountain filmed yesterday by the hiker "North Cascades Aerial". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1_GpWmQu8s&feature=youtu.be

Church Mountain....yes, indeed, TWO THUMBS UP! Hallelujah!!

8.5 miles RT

Gain: 3750 ft

Highest Point: 6100 ft

 

 

 

 

 

Sheep Lake/Sourdough Gap - Mt. Rainier, WA

As I enjoyed this hike so much this summer to see wildflowers at Sheep Lake, I decided to go back to hike again yesterday for fall foliage and also to hike up to Sourdough Gap and farther toward Crystal Lakes basin this time. 

The hike to Sheep Lake begins at right behind the toilet structures in the large parking lot/Naches Peak Loop trailhead on HWY 410. The trail is part of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and runs along right above the highway, which offers a stunning view of Chinook Pass and the valley. It's a pleasant and gentle 2 mile hike all the way to the lake. Fall colors are abundant along the trail. The lake seemed quite busy with many campers yesterday.
From the lake, I continued the journey to Sourdough Gap. As you leave the lake, the trail begins to gain elevation and gets steep a bit, but not too bad. I saw families with young children trekking up with no problem. The hike from the lake to the gap offers wonderful views of South Cascades including Mt. Adams, so enjoy the vistas as you ascend. In 1.4 miles, you reach Sourdough Gap, and the reward is the grand vistas of Sheep Lake down below in the valley and South Cascades with Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens on the skyline. On the other side of the gap, the PCT continues north along the mountain range above the Crystal Lakes basin.

At the gap, there is a side trail going up to the peak of the gap. The route is rather steep, but scrambling is not necessary as the path is solid with dirt and rocks in switchbacks. The 360 panorama at the peak offers breathtaking views....Sheep Lake on one side with South Cascades including Mt. Adams and Upper Chrystal Lake on the other side with Mt. Rainer as a backdrop.

Back down to the gap, I continued to hike the trail to the other side of the gap. Passing the gap, the trail divides into two directions...one goes to the PCT north and the other to Crystal Lakes basin and Mt. Rainier National Park territory. I took the Crystal Lakes trail.

The view from the above at Crystal Lakes basin is another reward with this hike....towering Sourdough Gap peak, Upper Crystal Lake, and Mt. Rainier. The trail continues down to Upper Crystal Lake, but I didn't enough time to hike down to the lake.

By the way, if I can make an arrangement for two cars.....park one car at Sheep Lake trailhead and the other at Crystal Lakes....I'd try hike from one end to the other to cover both lakes (Sheep Lake and Lower/Upper Crystal Lakes) including Crystal Peak. That'll be a fan adventure to try in one day!

Lake Ann/Mt Shuksan - Mt. Baker, WA

No dinosaur sightings! And yet, the hike of Lake Ann trail somewhat offers a rendering of Jurassic Park/The Lord of the Rings as described in WTA's description last week. 

Lake Ann was one of the hikes on my bucket list ever since I started hiking Mt. Baker area and encountered the alpine beauty of Mt. Shuksan. I am glad I finally made it to Lake Ann. 

The trailhead is located at a paved parking lot just below Artist Point and the tail is well maintained all the way to the lake. The hike starts descending through a forest down to an alpine meadow. The trail traverses a creek and there is a sign which says Swift Creek. Enjoy a spectacular view of Mt. Shuksan as you hike through the meadow and boulder fields.

Leaving the basin, the trail starts to ascend to the saddle up toward Mt. Shuksan. The route is a little rocky, but well maintained. As you ascend, look back to capture grand vistas of Artist Point, Table Mountain and Mt. Baker. Keep ascending the trail along talus rocks with the meadow and boulder basin behind, you finally reach the top of the saddle where Lake Ann comes into sight in just a short distance. The lake is quietly tucked in behind the saddle. 

Hike down the trail to a T where the trail splits. To your right is to Lake Ann, or go left to lead you on to Chimney Fisher climbing route. Before you decide which way you want to go, take in the breathtaking views of Mount Shuksan, Fisher Chimney, Curtiss Glacier and Lake Ann. Facing the massive rock with glaciers and water falls streaking down, with a little imagination's help you may feel like standing in the landscape of Jurassic Park or The Lord of the Rings. 

I continued to trek along the Chimney Fisher climbing route up to where scrambling begins. Eventually, you enter North Cascades National Park. As you continue the climbing route, Baker Lake can be seen in distance to your right, and soon the route begins to gain elevation in switchbacks toward Lower Curtiss Glacier. The up-close view of Curtiss Glacier is stunning in just a couple hundred feet away. As you descend the route to return to Lake Ann, Mt. Baker and Lake Ann come into sight. 

Ripe berries were sweet and perfect to quench my thirst along the hike.

Van Trump Park and Comet Falls - Mt. Rainier, WA

I always wondered about the hike of Comet Falls and Van Trump Park whenever I drove up to Paradise. I am so glad that I finally did the hike. It is trully an amazing hike with beautiful waterfalls, wild flowers/berries and mountain views.

Ditch the Paradise crowds/traffic by hiking Comet Falls/Van Trump Park with much less foot traffic! Trailhead is easy-access right along Paradise Rd between Longmire and Paradise. This hike is comparable to some of the hikes in Paradise area, or even better, I'd say....gorgeous waterfalls, wildflower meadows, glacier views and panorama of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams and Mt.Saint Helens....they are all together in one hike. It made me think after all, however....what if Paradise had not been so developed with the visitor center/tourism and so many intertwined trails?...perhaps, it would have been kept more like Van Trump Park, serene and untouched.

The trail gradually ascends to a moderate grade through the forest along Van Trump Creek. It is nice to hike through the forest with a soothing sound of the creek when it's a hot summer day. The first half of the route to Comet Falls is tree-covered and the trail opens up to the sky in about 1.5 miles near Bloucher Falls which is a good spot to take a break and enjoy the view. Across the footlog bridge, follow the continuing trail and soon the dramatic Comet Falls comes into sight. Wow, it's big....392 feet! I could see why it's called Comet Falls.

The trail continues after passing Comet Falls and becomes a bit steep and strenuous as it gains more grade. In about a half mile or so, you come to a trail junction and go right to Van Trump Park. The maintained trail ends in 0.3 mile at 5,850 feet from the junction. Enjoy the view of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams and Mt. Saint Helens there.

I continued my journey trekking up the unmaintained trail toward the ridge across a green meadow. The unmaintained trail is generally in good shape except some of the log steps deteriorating, but nothing to worry about. Ascending the lush green meadow with Mt. Rainer in front and Mt. Adams/Mt. Saint Helens behind somehow reminded me of a scene from The Sound of Music. A short distance of the unmaintained trail to the top of the pass is really worthwhile because a big "wow" moment awaits you upon the top.

Wow!.....take in the stunning panoramic view of the vast meadow of wildflowers (still lots of lupines covering the meadow), Mt. Rainer with several water falls juxtaposing (at least four of them I could see) on the great wall of the saddles between the meadow and Mt. Rainier. Turn around and capture another spectacular panorama view - Mt. Adams and Mt. Saint Helens on the skyline and Tatoosh Range/Goat Rock Peaks in the foreground.

Feeling awestruck by the amazing vistas, I continued ascending the unmaintained trail for another mile or so to get a closer view of the waterfalls, Mt. Rainier and glaciers....another wow! I could also see Van Trump Park down below from the higher range.

Van Trump Park may not be a popular destination like Paradise, and yet, it is an amazing and beautiful hike. I highly recommend this hike for those who prefer less foot traffic, spectacular waterfalls and grand vistas of Mt. Rainier/Mt. Adams/Mt. Saint Helens in serenity and untouched wilderness....and you could have it all for yourself. Two thumbs up!

Beacon Rock - Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section H - Bridge of Gods to White Pass, WA

If you want to make a little excursion while you are in Vancouver (WA) or Portland area, Beacon Rock may be a good choice which comes with a stunning scenery of Columbia River Gorge and the interesting history of the Rock. 

The 2 miles round trip up/down of the big rock is 600′ gain. The grade along the trail is gradual with railings all the way up across 17 bridges and 54 switchbacks. Views along the way up/down and the 360 panorama from the top are spectacular. 

After Beacon Rock, I also went to the Bridge of the Gods (about 10 min. drive from the Rock) and walked across the bridge (50 cents to walk across each way). The Bridge of the Gods is a section of Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) between OR - WA. There is a trailhead (Bridge of the Gods) with a restroom near the bridge. I saw a small farmers market under the bridge and venders were selling locally grown fruits and fresh/smoked salmon! 

Here is the history of Beacon Rock from "Friends of the Columbia Gorge": 

"Lewis and Clark initially called it “Beaten Rock”, but changed the name to “Beacon Rock” on their return voyage in 1806. During the early 1900’s it was most often called “Castle Rock”. 

Geologically the Rock was once thought to be the eroded core of an ancient volcano. However, it is more likely a segment of a large north-south dike where basalt lava oozed up through cracks in the earth’s crust only 50-60,000 years ago. In either case, the softer outer layers were stripped away by massive floods during the last Ice Age to leave the monolith that remains today. 

We owe the preservation of the Rock to two far-sighted individuals. Charles Ladd purchased it in 1904. It was a much loved by his family who often traveled there by boat. Ladd’s stewardship thwarted plans by the Army Corps of Engineers to blast it apart and use the pieces to create a jetty at the mouth of the Columbia. In 1915 Ladd sold it for $1 to Henry J. Biddle on the condition that it would be preserved. 

The first recorded climb was in 1901, and the climbers left spikes and ropes in place for later climbers. Biddle was attracted by the idea of building a trail “in perhaps the most difficult location in which a trail had ever been built”. From October 1915 to April 1918, Biddle and a helper built the walkway of trails, ramps, stairs and railings to the top. It was later improved by the CCC. In 1935 Biddle’s heirs offered the Rock to the State of Washington to become a state park. Initially Washington refused the offer, but quickly reconsidered after the same offer was accepted by Oregon. Thus, Beacon Rock very nearly became an Oregon State Park! 

Beacon Rock once marked the end of the last rapids in the Columbia River before the ocean, and the farthest point upstream where tidal influences can be detected (only in late fall when the water level is low). This is why Lewis and Clark named it Beaten Rock. 

Prior to the building of the Bonneville dam a series of major rapids ran from present-day Cascade Locks to a point near the Rock. These were called the “Columbia Cascades” – from which the Cascade Mountains derive their name. These cascades were caused in part by a violent earthquake in 1700, and by earlier quakes. These caused much of nearby Table Mountain to collapse and slide into the river. For a brief time the rubble blocked the flow, creating a lake that stretched 35 miles upstream and an earthen bridge across the river that the Indians called the “Bridge of the Gods”."

Summit Lake - Mt. Rainier, WA

This is a really pleasant hike climbing in a moderate grade and the pristine alpine lake is just within 2.5 miles reach. If you follow the trail all the way to the end/Summit Lake Peak passing the lake, which can be achieved in a short extra mile distance, the reward is a "Wow" moment of the breathtaking view of Summit Lake and the majestic Mt. Rainier! The trail runs mostly through the forest, so the heat wave was not an issue when I hiked today. 

The trail is in good shape and offers a variety of terrains....switchbacks, meadows, lakes, bridges/creek crossing (very dry!), rocky trail. Sadly wild flowers are already fading along this trail, however.....it's too early to see that happening due to the abnormally warm and dry weather. I'd love to go back and hike again to see fall colors after the summer....boy, the views will be gorgeous, I can imagine. 

The forest road to the trailhead is very rough with pot holes and big rocks sticking out here and there, but passable with low clearance vehicles. Just take your time driving slow and carefully....my little sedan could make it, but dust!

 

McClellan Butte, WA

Ever since I noticed the pointy peak (butte) sticking out from the mountain top on I-90 between North Bend and Snoqualmie Pass and my friend told me about the trail going up to the peak, I wanted to hike it. I finally made it last Sunday. 

This hike is a grueling march, however, specially the second half of the journey....steep switchbacks lead you on up and up to the summit. The trail offers a reminiscence of logging history of the area as you cross three forest roads along the trail. The first half of the hike is a gentle grade through old tree growth. The trail is clearly marked at junctions, so it is easy to follow. The second half of the hike gets pretty tough as the trail ascends with steep switchbacks somewhat similar to Granite Mountain/Mailbox Peak. The treeline slightly thins out in the last half mile or so....take in the grand view of Mt. Rainier. 

As you reach to the top (ledge), it's time to consult with your skill, spirit and desire whether you are satisfied to end the journey there or aim to scramble the steep ridge for the actual summit. For some people, technically it may be an easy scramble, but most people (including myself) would have to conquer fear first, then, assess and scramble. It is really very exposed. Watch for the steps and hand holds....and keep the body close to the holds and the ridge face as you proceed. I made it all right. In fact, scrambling up was easy, but I paid an extra attention with coming down....slowly and carefully. The steps have enough space for footing and the holds are solid. 

The vistas from the summit.....Mt. Rainier, I-90 corridor peaks, Mt. Stuart and other notable Cascade peaks line up in front of you. You are now on top of the pointy top of McClellan Butte. 

Some wild flowers are blooming. I saw a patch of salmon berries just beginning to ripen. Mosquitoes are out and active....a bit annoying!

Mt. Washington, WA

This is a great hike for both views and workout. As WTA's description says, ditch crowds in North Bend if you prefer much less foot traffic and less monotonous trail with better vistas than Mt. Si. However, the hike is not an easy one. Be prepared to get your heart rate going as you trek up and down steep switchbacks.

 
The trail offers a variety of terrains....forest line, creek crossing, granite wall, rocky trail, meadow and open sky. I really enjoyed the hike as it felt like much shorter than 8.5 miles RT....perhaps, because of less monotonous trail and views. There are several trail junctions you have to pay attention to in this hike, but they are well marked except the trailhead. Start the hike from the south end of the parking lot of Ollalie state park and follow John Wayne Trail/Twin Falls sign. Soon you pass a couple of trail junctions and take the third junction which has a small rock cairn for the trailhead/Mt. Washington. It is easy to miss, so pay attention. There are a few more junctions along the way, but well marked and follow the signs. 

Mt. Rainier and I-90 corridor peaks greet you near and at the top after the hard workout. You can also see Chester Morse Lake and Masonry Pool down below in the valley. They are the watershed for the greater Puget Sound area and look pretty full in spite of the state wide drought emergency....well, let's hope they remain that way this summer.

 

Sheep Lake and Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section I.1 - White Pass - Chinook Pass, Mt. Rainier, WA

This is a lovely hike with a great view of mountains and wildflowers all long the trail. Trailhead (PCT trailhead) is easy access right along HWY 410/Chinook Pass. The trail toward Sheep Lake is at the end of the parking lot behind the restrooms. The short hike leads you on along stunning vistas of the deep opening valley of Chinook Pass. The hike to the lake is about 2 miles with a gentle grade. 

The lake and lush meadows are peacefully tucked in surrounded by mountains. I saw meadows carpeted with blue lupines all over and a touch of red paintbrush for an accent. What a beauty! 

As I had a little extra time when I returned to trailhead after the short hike to Sheep Lake, I decided to make a quick side trip via PCT/Chinook Pass - White Pass. The section of PCT begins at Naches Peak loop trailhead just across the bridge of Mt. Rainier National Park over the highway (you'll see the bridge in a distance on the way back to the parking lot from Sheep Lake). 

I trekked in/out about 1 mile or so along Naches Peak loop trail as part of PCT. There are wildflower meadows, creeks, and a small lake after the forest about a mile in. I'd love to go back again and explore that section of PCT down toward White Pass.

Mailbox Peak Old Trail, WA

Mailbox Peak has become my annual warmup hike for the last few years since my first trip up there four years ago. Last year I took the old trail up and the new trail down (easy, but a long hike!) as I was curious about the new trail soon after it was built. This time I took the old trail up and down.

The trail is in good condition and no major issue overall, except a few blow downs and partially muddy sections, but nothing to worry about. The weather was overcast when I left trailhead, but passing around 4,000 ft the sun started to break in through clouds and the rest of the journey to the summit was under a beautiful blue sky and even warm. It was such a treat to feel the warm sunshine after the hard work and almost surreal looking over the sea of clouds down below from the peak. 

Take in the view. The reward is a fantastic 360 panorama...Mt. Si, Bandera, Granite and other nearby peaks. On a clear day, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker and other Cascades high peaks juxtapose on the skyline. Wildflowers are not ready yet. I wonder if the drought due to low snow pack may affect them. 

A couple of reminders if you take the old trail:
- Hiking poles are highly recommended. (you will regret if you don't use them....specially while you descend.) The hike is what really "steep" trail is.
- Pay attention to follow the trail markers (diamonds) on trees to find your way to the summit and back to trailhead. Those short-cutting foot prints, if you follow them instead, can be misleading, and you may end up going up or down the wrong way. 

Also, note that the road to trailhead is closed on weekdays due to road work, but it's open on weekends.

5.2 miles RT

4,000 ft gain