Yosemite Horsetail Fall Firefall - February 23, 2016 - Yosemite National Park, CA

 

Natural Firefall in Yosemite Valley. For two weeks in February, only when the right conditions meet, the sunset light hits Horsetail Fall at the perfect angle, by illuminating the waterfall glowing like a fire fall.

2016 February presented a perfect condition for the firefall with enough snow melting water for Horsetail fall, thanks to El Nino, and the weather was favorable for the firefall.

 

I arrived at El Capitan camp site around 4:30pm.  There were already many people there hoping to see the spectacular firefall. Sunset was expected to begin after 5:30pm. For the next hour or so, I enjoyed viewing Horsetail fall changing its colors as the sun went down...from bright yellow, gold, pink, orange and finally into the color of a glowing fire fall.

 

Seeing such a natural beauty was like awestruck....then, I felt such a calm and peaceful sensation....a Zen moment.  It was a realization that life is ephemeral, and yet, still beautiful and eternal.

 

To see a World in a Grain of Sand 

And a Heaven in a Wild Flower 

Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand

And Eternity in an hour

- William Blake -

Filmed by Lifeisamt, 2/23/2016

 

Mt. Rose - Olympic Peninsula, WA

April 7, 2016

It was 74 degrees when I arrived at the trailhead parking lot around 1:30pm. The weather was like an early summer. Traihead is easy to find and located right across Lake Cushman on FR 24. Trailhead has a small parking lot for about a dozen or so cars. Privy is available.

In short, this hike is quite a feat as the WTA's description details....one of the steepest trails in the Olympics. I'd say it's somewhat like a combination of Mt. Si and Mailbox Peak(old trail)....it gains 3,500 ft vertical in 2.9 miles based on the trail information at the trailhead. However, it's worth the effort to see the spectacular views from the top.

The trail is in good condition with no significant obstacles until you hit the snow covered route which begins somewhere around the last 3/4 mile to the summit via left loop route after ascending about 1/4 mile from Horsecamp. The snow covered route was mostly packed with boot tracks, except the slope going up to the summit because there were some soft spots where I ended up post-holing a few feet down. (See the pic.) Also, part of the snow covered route can become sketchy when snow starts to melt and boot tracks disappear. Therefore, it is a good protocol to pay attention to where you are heading, particularly when you descend as the boot tracks you followed up may disappear if it's warm weather by the time you follow back....you don't want to get lost! There are some trail markers of bright orange color tapes tied around some trees and branches which I found helpful as well as following the boot tracks in and out.

The last few hundred feet ascending the steep face to the summit was a little tricky today because the weather was warm and the deep snow got soft and slushy/slippery. I had micro spikes in my pack just in case, but I didn't have to use them after all. However, hiking poles became certainly useful. And, water proof boots are highly recommended to tackle the snow covered route to the summit.

All the sweat and effort were rewarded with the breathtaking vistas from the top in the crystal clear sky and gorgeous weather....Lake Cushman, Mt. Rainier, the Olympic range and Puget Sound. I had the summit and all that view for myself! By the way, the summit is very small....looks like it's only about 6 sq.ft.? and just enough for a few people!!!

I descended back the same route instead of continuing the loop because of the snow condition and I didn't want to take a risk of getting lost!!!

Mt. Rose is a great hike with spectacular views....with a little(?) effort and determination to challenge the steep trail. After the hike, I took a side trip down to Lake Cushman from the trailhead.....wow, it was gorgeous!

Snoquera Falls - Mt. Rainier, WA

What a beautiful day it was! It almost felt like an early summer and hiking in a T-shirt was just comfortable. I started late arriving at the trailhead/Camp Sheppard at 2:30pm and returned to my car by 4:30pm.

This is an easy hike and the waterfalls are stunning. I also recommend to combine to hike Moss Lake loop trail which is located in the basin of the trailhead. As the name says, Moss Lake loop trail offers mossy forest in a short distance. You can combine this hike either at the beginning or the end of Snoquera Falls hike.

Follow the signs of Snoquera Falls to the falls. There are several blow downs along the trail, but they are all passable. The trail climbs gradual and consistent, so it gets your heart rate going.

At the waterfalls, there is a side trail going up to the bottom of the falls. It's steep, but a short hike up for a closer view of the waterfalls. To get to the side trail, you have to cross the falls rapid creek, but it is not deep....however, boots are highly recommended, or your feet will likely get wet.

Take in the spectacular view of Snoquera Falls. It's a perfect short hike with a little effort and determination. Families with kids would also enjoy this hike. The trailhead is conveniently located at Camp Sheppard right by HWY 410.

  

Artist Point Snowshoe, Artist Ridge - Huntoon Point - Mt Baker, WA

What a beautiful day for snowshoeing! Perfect with blue sky and powder snow. Artist Point is one of my favorite hikes through all seasons....either for summer/fall hike or winter/spring snowshoeing. 

It was after noon when I arrived at the upper parking lot of Baker Ski located at the end of HWY 542, and the spacious lot was completely full. Considering it's a holiday season, I recommend arriving earlier for convenience as even overflow parking along the road tends to get pretty full when it gets crowded. Also, the route to Artist Point from traihead gets in the shade by early afternoon, so that's another good reason to start early if you prefer to snowshoe in sunlight.

The road was clear of snow and well plowed all the way yesterday, but some icy spots on road surface. It was a smooth drive except that there was a section of one way lane traffic control due to road work on 542. It takes extra time to get through the wait line, particularly when everyone is on the road after leaving about the same time between 4pm - 5 pm. It took me extra 20 min. to get through the west bound traffic.

The snowshoeing route to Artist Point is obvious and easy to follow since there are well established snowshoe tracks en route....basically you trek up southeast parallel to the ski run from TH/parking lot toward Artist Point. Also, there is an option to snowshoe down to Chain Lakes....I noticed quite a few hikers with/without snowshoes exploring down to the snow covered lakes yesterday.

There are a few steep slopes you have to ascend to get to Artist Point, but they are not that long and doable for average hikers....just pace yourself. There is a lot of snow up there and it was a powder condition, not icy at all yesterday. I had gaiters in my pack, but they were not necessary to put on.

Enjoy the views on the way to and at Artist Point in all directions....breathtaking vistas - Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, Table Mountain, other Cascade ranges of US/Canada border and Baker Lake down below. It's a beauty of winter wonderland! From Artist Point, I trekked up to Huntoon Point....the high point at the southeast of Artist Point where you can overlook Artist Point and take a dramatic closeup view of Mt. Shuksan just for yourself.

All the way back to the parking lot from Artist Point, Mt. Shuksan was magically entertaining through expressing a change of colors from snow white to yellow, orange, red and purple reflecting the sunset light.

By the way, it is always a good protocol to check avalanche forecast in advance when you hike into a snow country.

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!