Wildflowers in the Mist, Pasayten Wilderness

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Andy Porter

Wildflowers in the Mist, Pasayten Wilderness. Along the Devils Dome Trail

On the Pacific Crest Trail in the Pasayten Wilderness

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Andy Porter

Heading north on the Pacific Crest Trail from Slate Peak the trail slowly looses altitude on its way down to Holman Pass.

Sunset at Jim Pass
Here is a junction with the western option heading towards Devils Dome and trail to the east down to the Pasayten River. Continuing north the trail gains all the altitude you just lost, popping out of the forest into the splendid meadows just below Goat Lakes.
There is a dependable spring here and camping in the meadows is spectacular.

Meadows just below tiny Goat Lakes
Continuing the trail makes a sweeping arc as it climbs to Rock Pass. Powder Mountain.

Wildflowers and Powder Mountain
The view from Rock Pass is unsurpassed.

Rock Pass Panorama
Dropping down several switchbacks the trail traverses the north-facing slopes on its way to Woody Pass. here the snow lingers late into the season.

After climbing again to the notch of Woody Pass the trail now swings to the western side of the Cascade Crest in its way to the highest point of the trail on this section at Lakeview Ridge.

Rock Pass, seen from Woody Pass
The views, the flowers, from the ridge are impossible to beat. snow abounds until mid or late August and camping here is incredible.

Atop Lakeview Ridge

Three Fools Peak
Its a 25 mile hike here from the parking area at Slate Peak, one of the very best out and back trips in the North Cascades.

Horseshoe Basin, Pasayten Wilderness

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Andy Porter

Horseshoe Basin, in the Pasayten Wilderness is one of the few places in the lower 48 states where you can find wide expanses of tundra. In July when the snow has just melted the basin is alive with myriad wildflowers sprouting out of the grass as far as you can see.
This first image is from the trail junction where the trail from Iron Gate meets the Boundary Trail (also known as the Pacific Northwest Trail).

As you progress westward on the PNT through the glory of Horseshoe Basin you will soon encounter Louden Lake. If you visit here in the fall the lake is little more than a small mud pond, but in early summer the wide flat lake provides ideal reflective qualities! And hordes of mosquitoes!