Copper Ridge Lookout

Craig and I did a long day trip to Copper Ridge Lookout about three weeks ago. The views were spectacular, as the skies were clear. This is one of the best spots for views in the North Cascades, and these photos don't do the 360 degree mountainscape justice.

We saw a mama bear with two cubs near the lookout, foraging. We also saw a goat right below the lookout. The marmot pictured here was very accomodating.

The hike was pretty dry--running water wasn't to be found after Boundary Camp, although there was a snow patch up high. We talked ot the lookout ranger--she was on an eight day stint, and I sort of envied her getaway. 

We didn't do the full loop, as I did a few years back with Mike and Rich, but I heard the sockeye were swimming the Chiliwack. The trail itself was in terrific condition, due to the work of trail crews. Very runanble, though we just hiked fast.

A great day, overall--certainly a highlight in a year lacking them. 

As I write this, the skies are now full of ash and soot, from horrible wildfires that have taken over the Washington, Oregon, and California. It's hard to fathom these remarkable views, just three weeks ago. The fires were really bad in 2018 as well, and have been increasing, presumably in relation to climate change. I know in my lifetime I've witnessed changes in the high country--this hike is a good example, as we expected more snow cover in August on the ridge, which in the past some times does not even open up. Also, the glaciers in Hannegan valley seem to have receded from when I first did that hike in the 1990s. 

Sourdough Mountain

 

Craig and I went up and over Sourdough Mountain on Saturday. It is a personal favorite for each of us. Part of the North Cascades National Park. Hard—over 5000 feet of climbing in about 6 miles.  The first mile or two is really a grind.  But at about mile 3, you cross a mountain creek, the trees thin, and soon you’re on an open mountainside, with wildflowers all around, and crisp views of the aquamarine Diablo Lake, below. That's Diablo, above.

I like the workout. You know its going to be a huff. Everything feels earned, and then the payoff is worth the effort, especially on a clear day like we had.

On top, there are 360 degree views of the North Cascades---the Picketts, Hozomeen and Desolation, Jack Mountain, Colonial, and countless peaks I can’t name. Craig could. He writes guidebooks and outdoors articles, and is really knowledgeable in all things trail. Check out his 100 Classic Hikes of Washington, which includes Sourdough. A beautiful book, among many he has written. So, besides  chatting, he also pointed out a number of things I didn’t know. E.g. Pierce Mountain is not named after Franklin Pierce, but rather an early surveyor.  

360 degrees doesn't really capture it. That's just two dimensions, this so much more. Unobsructed views says it a bit better.

The day was perfect. HD skies for miles and miles. It seems the snowfields melted earlier this year—disturbing, with all the news of climate change. On the day, I saw a marmot, a couple toads and a turkey.

We went down the Pierce Mountain side.  I’ve done this once before. On a July in Saturday, we saw no one. No one. The Pierce Mountain campsite looked like a great place to spend a quiet night.

On the way down, we spied the Desolation Mountain Lookout, far up Ross Lake, sun reflecting off its roof. The Pierce Mountain trail is a bit rough and overgrown, especially through a burn section. It'd be tough after a recent rain. Most notable to me was the lack of water—dry times, all the way back to the car. The beauty of going down this side was the slower pitch through open field of heather, with long views. I expected to see a bear or two, but alas. Navigation wasn't an issue as cairns were well placed, but I had a bit more trouble once, when there was more snow. Once you reach the trees, the trail is readily identifiable, but before that, caution is warranted, as it wouldn't be too hard to drift away from the trail.

A whole loop can been done, but we opted to park a car at Ross Dam, and one at Diablo, saving us the final 5 or 6 miles. We still had a well-earned 15 miles for the day. My right foot wasn’t all that cooperative, rolling as it does once or twice on the way down. 

A magnificent day.