Granite Lakes Road - Hike or snowshoe!

The Granite Lakes Road in North Bend is a year-round favorite for hikers and snowshoers in winter. Choose from an easy hike to Granite Creek (about 6 miles round trip), a 12-mile round-trip to Granite Lakes and in summer a splendid but strenuous hike to seldom-visited Thompson Lake. Another plus; there is little avalanche danger along the road unless you are climbing beyond the junction to Granite Lakes/Thompson Lake in the winter.

The trail starts at a gated road with occasional views to the valley below, across the valley to clear-cuts and on a clear day, views of Bessemer Mountain. As you hike note the huge stumps notched with springboard notches from bygone logging days. In winter and spring small tributaries engage in chatter as they tumble from hillsides above the road. You’ll see that Time is slowly restoring the land to its natural state as moss, ferns and lichens tiptoe down to the edge of the alder-lined road.
On our hike in February it felt and looked like winter; be sure to get weather updates and dress accordingly. You might need snowshoes depending on snowfall. There was no snow at the trailhead but soon after we started out we began to hit patches of snow interspersed with bare ground. In about 2.5 miles we came to a stretch of glare ice that covered the road and we rued our decision to leave traction devices behind.

We very carefully worked our way across the ice; thankfully the stretch was not long. Beyond the ice the surface of the road returned to a hiker-friendly combo of softer snow and dirt and we began to get glimpses of Granite Creek through the trees (left). If you look closely you may also spot old logging spurs through the corridor of second and third-growth forest as the road continues climbing beside Granite Creek.

When we reached the bridge crossing at Granite Creek we called it a day; from that point snowshoes and/or traction devices would have been needed. The bridge (at about 1,400 feet) is a natural turnaround for many hikers in late winter/early spring. Along the road the creek tumbles poetically through moss-slathered boulders on its way to the lowlands. This is no rickety bridge with a marginal handrail; this one was built to last and dates back to logging days when legendary characters such as Dirty Harry built logging roads most feared to travel.

In winter snowshoers, skiers and hikers often continue further. From the Granite Creek Bridge it’s another couple of miles to the next junction at 3,090 feet. At this fork the lower fork descends to Granite Lakes (when the ground is snow-covered route-finding skills will come in handy). We’ve been to the lakes in all seasons; most hikers will prefer dropping down to the lakes after the snow has melted and vegetation leafs out.

The left fork (Trail 1009A) climbs to a ridge overlooking Thompson Lake; best left for a long, summer day. Getting to Thompson Lake is a strenuous undertaking though well worth the effort. Thompson Lake is truly one of the most spectacular places we’ve hiked to in this region. The lake can also be reached from the Ira Spring/Defiance Peak trail No. 1009, another long approach definitely not recommended with snow.

On our way back the glare-ice had melted; of that we were glad. We met only one other party on the trail; a couple with plans to summit Revolution Peak, a lesser-known peak in the region.

To get there: From Seattle head east on I-90, get off at Exit 34, turn left onto 468th Ave, continue for about a half mile to SE Middle Fork Road (Forest Service Road No. 56). Continue about two miles to the Mailbox Peak trailhead and park or drive a little beyond (less than ½ mile) to a gated DNR road (right) with limited parking. A Discovery Pass is required at both trailheads. The road is less than .5 mile past the Mailbox Peak trailhead.

The suggested map is : Green Trails No. 2065 Mount Si NRCA. For general information on the Department of Natural Resources regarding recreation call 360-902-1000. Granite Lakes is on DNR land – Thompson Lake lies within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and is managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS).

Karen Sykes

Two Recent Hikes

Gold Pond and Little Si (November 9 or 10) or I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT DAY IT IS

The day after we walked around Gold Pond it snowed and now it’s beginning to look like it’s going to stay. We’d been keeping track of the weather forecasts and since we knew snow was coming we made a quick run up Little Si (for exercise) then dashed up to Gold Pond a little east of Snoqualmie Pass (accessed from Hyak) to capture one last golden day of sun.

Perhaps it’s just age but it seems like winters last longer than they used to and conversely, summers are shorter. Older folks like us have griped about this since probably the beginning of Time so why should we be different? We know there are fewer summers ahead of us than behind us; hence, our attempts to make the golden days last as long as possible.

We are not fast hikers but we hike at least 3-4 times a week in summer, less often in winter. While we don’t mind hiking through drizzle or rain showers we admit we don’t like hiking in rain or wind (especially rain and wind).

Each year about this time I go to battle with my “demons” – cursing the darkness and longing for light and color. As for “light” there just isn’t enough of it. As if Time wasn’t already going fast enough, must we have our daylight taken away too? Yet, who are we (puny humans!) to argue with the Forces that created all this.

Another thing that bothers us about winter are the “brown” hikes, when all color seems drained out of the landscape, the last fall leaves have turned to mush, the trees are bare, with only the occasional green brilliance of moss or lichen to break up the monotony. With the expense of driving a factor there are only so many places we can get to this time of year and frankly, some of them aren’t worth it (except for the exercise).

Hence we look upon “brown” hikes as medicine, as necessary to keep us running as fuel is to a car. But – we don’t have to like it.

Ahhh - those last golden hikes this fall were poignant; each one felt like the “end”. Yet for a while, each golden hike we thought would be the “last” one – wasn’t. Our hike to Sand Lake felt like the last golden hike; it wasn’t. Also, Kendall Katwalk, Granite Mountain, Talapus and Olallie, Crystal Lakes, even a hike from Cayuse Pass to Sheep Lake – it was an unusually good October.

Little Si and Gold Pond, though, were regrettably the last golden hikes; at least for us on the west side.
The hike to Little Si was beautiful; the sun was shining, there were still leaves on the deciduous trees though some had fallen. It was a pleasant hike; we enjoyed it but it wasn’t enough of a hike to see us through the dark days to come. Since the sun was bright and it hadn’t taken us long to hike Little Si we drove to Gold Pond, a little east of Snoqualmie Pass (accessed from the Hyak Exit No. 54).

We couldn’t have timed it better. Again, we were blessed with blue skies, sun and quite a bit of fall color. Gold Pond is our “favorite” short hike off I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass. Perhaps calling it a “hike” is a bit of a stretch but because it was such a beautiful day it was enough to make us happy.

Though the boardwalks sparkled with frost and fallen leaves were edged with ice; there was still a little warmth in the sun and the low-angle of the sunlight made for good photography. We savored every colorful leaf, every twinkle of frost. Plus, it was so quiet there - it was almost as if Gold Pond knew winter was coming; we felt like it was waiting, holding its breath, sad like us to let the summer go. Rampart Ridge had a dusting of snow and looked cold as did Chikamin Peak as viewed from Gold Pond. Yes though those views were inspirational they also made us sad. Though our fingers were cold we took our time walking around the pretty pond, stopping for photographs, savoring each moment.

I know we will have some good times this winter; we always do. Somehow, though, that doesn’t seem to make the winter go by any faster and we long for trails that are neither white with snow nor brown with leaves.

Yesterday (November 15) we hiked the Section Line Trail to West Tiger 3 and took the regular trail back down; a brown and white hike. Most of the leaves have fallen from the deciduous trees and are lying on the trail – near the summit snow had already fallen and it was cold enough that we didn’t linger.

Our next hike? To be determined.

Granite Mountain, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, October 2011

GRANITE MOUNTAIN (Alpine Lakes Wilderness)

We have a love/hate relationship with the Granite Mountain Trail. It’s a hard hike for many with significant elevation gain and mileage; the reward for the toil is worth it for hikers who stick to it. Those who have hiked to Granite Mountain and the Granite Mountain lookout on a regular basis get to know each switchback by name (we’ve never counted them) and after several trips over the years we look for the tree that designates the beginning of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Our hike yesterday (10-17) was no exception though the weather was exceptionally good for mid-October. Though it was cool in the shade when we started by the time we were out of the forest and onto the open slopes of Granite Mountain the sun was warm and the fall colors so intense it looked like the mountain was on fire.

The first stretch of the trail – as many trails in the Pacific Northwest – starts out in forest but this is old forest, quiet and deep. When you get to the junction for Pratt Lake/Granite Mountain go straight uphill – you’d turn left if you were heading to Pratt Lake.

Still in the forest the trail continues its intense climb and eventually enters the Alpine Lakes Wilderness (designated by a sign). The foliage thins out a bit and there are a few peeks ahead to blue sky and swatches of fall color.

Views improve every step of the way – this is high country at its finest with views down to I-90 and McClellan Butte resembling a great bird with its wings spread about to soar. The trail continues through the Halloween candy colors of fall – the blueberry shrubs were turning red; some still held bountiful berries. The beargrass that lined the trail earlier in the season has lost it’s white plume of a flower but the ragged, skeletal stalks remain amidst bright pockets of mountain ash, hanging meadows with occasional white snags and then looking very far away – the lookout comes into view.

The climbing relents as the trail approaches two small tarns in a meadow; the fall colors above the tarns were reflected in the water. The tarns are the ideal spot for a break before girding yourself for a still-steep ascent.

From the tarns the trail spurts upward again then winds more gently through large boulders and meadows. The lookout appears again, still looking very far away though it’s closer than it looks.

The trail relents again and is level for a bit before one more steep push through forest to a boulder field; then suddenly you are there. The lookout is closed for the season but there are plenty of places to settle and the views will take what breath remains away.

First we stopped for lunch at the lookout; where it was warm and sunny enough that a chipmunk popped up from the rocks and dashed about hoping for handouts. From there we enjoyed views of Mount Rainier amidst a sea of undulating ridges and Mount Adams further to the south.

Two companions opted to hike the trail back to the tarns; three of us opted for the scramble route on boulders to the tarns where we’d rendezvous. The scramble is not particularly dangerous though good balance and some off-trail hiking experience comes in handy. Later in the year when snow falls, the scramble route over the boulders becomes hazardous as snow fills in crevices between the rocks and it’s all too easy to twist an ankle or worse.

We suggest you hike this trail soon – once significant snow accumulates the trail becomes dangerous in the open areas and avalanches can roar down without warning.
However, with a dusting of snow the hike can still be done and is spectacular then, especially when there is still fall color (watch for ice as temperatures drop).

As always never hike beyond your comfort level and always tell someone where you are hiking and when you are expected to return.

The map is Green Trails No. 207 Snoqualmie Pass.

Kendall Katwalk, October 15, 2011

KENDALL KATWALK (OCTOBER 15, 2011)

What can I say about the Kendall Katwalk that hasn’t been said before? It’s a fairly long hike (12 miles round trip with about 2,700 feet elevation gain via the PCT at Snoqualmie Pass). The scenery is spectacular from beginning to end.

The first stretch is mostly forested but with occasional flashes of colorful vine maple here and there. Devil’s club has turned yellow, its big leaves reminiscent of maple leaves but with treacherous needle-like stickers. It was no surprise there are few flowers now along the trail – in the forest remnants of Canadian dogwood, aged Solomons seal and vanilla leaf. At the Katwalk there were a few harebells and a bit of yarrow.

We always looked forward to that first view of Guye Peak as the PCT leaves the forest to contour below a boulder field. There are also growing views of Red Mountain and Snoqualmie Mountain (Snoqualmie Mountain was dusted with fresh snow that melted away by afternoon).

Shortly past a slightly tricky stream crossing there’s a junction for the Commonwealth Basin trail (it’s signed). The trail to Commonwealth Basin can be used as a shortcut back to the PCT trailhead but stream crossings in the basin can be dicey, especially after recent rain and some snow-melt. The “old” Commonwealth Basin trail is a stretch of the original PCT before the trail was rerouted – it was called the Cascade Crest Trail then.

Past the junction to Commonwealth Basin the trail climbs through dense vegetation - blueberry shrubs, bracken, fading hellebore and mountain ash. After a while the dense vegetation gives way to old-growth forest and another stream crossing, this one easier than the first though at first glance it looks worse than it is.

The next stretch climbs through old-growth forest and you’ll see where trail crews cleared a large blowdown earlier this year. You’ll begin to see bits of sky through the forest canopy and about the time you think the forest will never end the trail breaks out below Kendall Ridge. In October the views are mesmerizing. Colorful fall foliage extends to the base of the ridge (right) and you will unconsciously slow your pace to take in the colorful displays. There are also views of the Snoqualmie peaks.

I’ve only been on the true summit of Kendall Peak once and that was a few years ago. It was the last Mountaineer scramble that the late Paul Wiseman led for the Seattle Mountaineers. The scramble to the true summit is trickier than it looks (at least I thought it was so) and from the trail it is hard to tell which of the high points is the summit.

The PCT its way around Kendall Ridge and here we found a thin layer of snow and occasional ice in the shade; not enough yet to warrant Yak Trax or traction devices but that can change any day now. There was a definite winter chill in the air despite the sun and blue skies.


If you have time notice the boulders beside the trail – they are splashed with lichen in just about every color you can imagine and in places sparkled with a glaze of ice. After some minor ups and downs the trail reaches a viewpoint – this is not the Kendall Katwalk but the views are impressive.

The PCT continues, making a long curve as it contours above a talus slope then comes to the Kendall Katwalk. Just before you get to the Katwalk the trail is narrow and a sign encourages horseback riders to dismount. It’s no place for a fall. Just before you get to the Katwalk peer through a window in the big boulders that border the trail for an interesting frame and view of Red Mountain, Lundine and more.

The Katwalk is snow-free and was the ideal place to stop on this chilly, sunny day. Here we enjoyed views of the Four Brothers, Chikamin Peak and other peaks we weren’t sure we could properly identify. Since we’ve hiked this trail often we didn’t bring the map – that’s a mistake if you want to identify the surrounding peaks.

Since it was a sunny Saturday there were many other hikers on the trail but who can blame them? Most of the hikers we met were younger and probably work full-time – who can begrudge their desire for a golden hike on a Saturday? I used to be one of those weekend-warriors after all. In my 30s, 40s and 50s I mostly worked full-time positions and hiked, scrambled, snowshoed or skied both days of the weekend.

Bob and I dawdled both coming and going – you can blame that on the somewhat futile attempt to immortalize these splendid scenes with our cameras.

Don’t forget your Northwest Forest Pass as we did in our eagerness to get outside on a sunny day. I didn’t realize it was sitting at home until we were half-way to Snoqualmie Pass. We ended up having to use my debit card to purchase a day-hiking permit at one of the grocery stores at the pass. I don’t remember the name of the store but it’s the first one grocery/gas station you come to as you approach Travelers Rest from the west (Exit 52). You will need a permit to park at the trailhead and parking is not allowed near the freeway interchange. You’re likely to get towed if you attempt to park there. Buck up, admit you’re getting old and forgetful and purchase a pass if you need to (to be completely honest …. I often forgot important items in my 30’s too, like the time I forgot my blue foam sleeping pad on a wintry, snowy backpack but that’s another long story…..).

I guess that’s called being human.

In Search of Color, Talapus and Olallie Lakes

October 13, 2011

Today the two Bob's and I trudged to Talapus Lake. Trudged? Well ... yes. One Bob is recovering from a cold (as am I) and the other Bob is still getting used to heart medication. Plus, a summer of hard hiking has caught up to me as well as another blankety-blank birthday. I'm getting long in the tooth - how did that happen?

It felt like fall today. A chilly morning and cold in the shadows. No fall color until we reached the trailhead; then a visual shout of fall color right there. That whetted our appetite for more.

For some strange reason I find the trail system to Talapus/Olallie lakes confusing; that's perhaps due to the social trails that weave in and out of the main trail and near the lakes. No matter, we made it to both after one false turn.

We didn't see any more fall color until we reached Talapus Lake; the view of the lake and the surrounding boulder fields was stunning. Perhaps we should have called it a day there - it was a pretty scene but we were greedy and wanted more.

On to Lake Olallie where there was little color but there were wisps of mist rising from the lake as if they were living entities (perhaps they were). Again, we had the lake to ourselves and even in the sun it was chilly. The mountain ash was still green; there was only a smattering of dull orange on talus slopes above the lake. Nothing as vivid as the trailhead!

Most of the hike was/is in the forest with several sections of boardwalks in various ages of repair, none lethally slick. No formidable stream crossings, no wildlife sightings, no other hikers until we were on the way down. There are some handsome old-growth trees here and there, vine maple, Canadian dogwood (sans berries), fading vanilla leaf, bead lily without the bead. The forest looks old and feels old too.

If you hike this trail notice the moss-covered trail sign not far from the trailhead. It's been there for a long time. It may even be older than us.

Karen

Oh yeah - the stats (7 miles with 1,350 feet gain but that includes some lost time and additional gain on the network of social trails near Talapus Lake.)

Scottish Lakes High Camp

SCOTTISH LAKES HIGH CAMP (September 22-23, 2011)

You may have second thoughts about a visit to Scottish Lakes High Camp when a rusty, wind-shield cracked vehicle (or snowmobile) meets you at the gated road where the fun begins. Relax, the rollicking ride on this four-mile, rock-studded, pot-holed road is a jolly prelude to good times. Let the romp to the cabins or the Day Lodge be part of the experience. The proprietors, Don and Chris Hanson, wear many different hats and they are veterans of transporting guests up and down the road. When it snows, the aging Suburbans are replaced by Snowmobiles and Sno-cats and having experienced the ride to High Camp in winter we can attest you are in good hands. Don and Chris keep the high camp in top-notch conditions and their loyal care-takers when they are not available are the best. Zeke, the caretaker we met, was as likable as the Hansons and was patient with us when we had trouble getting a fire started in the cabin designated for our stay.

Not only are the Hansons and caretakers able to handle just about any contingency, they are patient with their patrons (I left my sleeping bag on the front porch in Seattle along with a couple other items). I’d like to blame such forgetfulness on anticipation rather than age though I’m probably not the first to leave a sleeping bag nor will I be the last.

Rest assured you won’t freeze to death if you forget your sleeping bag or have trouble lighting the fire (I was able to borrow a sleeping bag). If that’s not enough to attract you to spend at least one night at this remarkable place the Day Lodge is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Coffee is free though Zeke cautioned that if you want coffee before 8 a.m. it’s $5 a cup. We think he was joking.

The day lodge also provides maps (some created by the Hansons), reading material, games, puzzles and other amenities including a sauna and hot tub where you can relax and ponder the stars in the night sky.

Since it was mid-week we were the only guests (weekends are busy!) and our cabin, Larkspur, was ready for our arrival. After the rollicking ride the Hansons delivered us, with our gear, cooler and food, to the front door of Larkspur Cabin, a delightful A-frame cabin with a front porch and a loft.

Other than bringing your own food (and a sleeping bag!) just about everything else is provided other than hiking gear, skis or snowshoes. There were instructions inside the A-frame as how to light the propane lamps, light the fire in the woodstove and other helpful instructions on how to live off the grid for a while.

We were eager to hit the trails; it was a sunny day and fall color was beginning to show in the mountains. With a Green Trails map (Chiwaukum Creek) and a map of trails created by the Hansens of their trail system leading to McCue Ridge and other points of interest we set out for Chiwaukum Lake (6 miles round-trip) and Larch Lake (10 miles round trip). We started from High Camp and followed the trail system as it climbed through forest and tawny meadows toward McCue Ridge.

With plenty of time at our disposal we stopped to admire the wildflowers; many had faded though the buckwheat was still colorful and the desiccated leaves of balsamroot made for natural dried flower arrangements tethered to the mountain. Where the trail was vague there were cairns to follow as the trail continued to climb.

At an unsigned junction on McCue Ridge we turned left. If Lake Julius is your destination go straight. Just before the trail begins its descent to Chiwaukum Lake there are glimpses of the mile-long lake through the trees, then it disappears again. As the trail loses elevation it skirts hanging meadows just beginning to pick up fall colors, especially the fireweed, a brilliant red. The trail returns to forest and remains there, dropping more steeply until it breaks out at the far end of the lake, elevation 5,250 feet.

Though we didn’t see a trail sign we knew to turn right for Larch Lake. First we walked a short spur that led to a perfect spot for lunch in a clearing with logs to sit on at the edge of the lake. Here dark sedges and billowing green reeds bordered the lake and it was so peaceful there that my companion elected to wait there as I continued to Larch Lake.

To ensure we had plenty of time to hike out so we established a time to rendezvous at Chiwaukum Lake. That gave me an hour to get to/from Larch Lake but since that left no time for photography I opted to spend time in Ewing Basin which is situated between the lakes.

If Larch Lake (or Ewing Basin) is your goal - from Chiwaukum Lake the trail continues two miles to Larch Lake, skirting a large meadow on the way and crossing Chiwaukum Creek (an easy hop, skip and jump). After crossing the creek the trail began to open up as it entered the basin so I slowed my pace accordingly.

Ewing Basin is a about a mile from Chiwaukum Lake, a sublime high-country setting with touches of fall color in a boulder-strewn meadow, blueberry shrubs touched with crimson, ridges stretching above with hanging meadows, some still green, others just turning russet. As if that were not enough to keep a hiker spellbound there were still wildflowers in bloom including Indian Paintbrush, arnica, yarrow and blue gentians, a late-summer flower that heralds the end of summer.

It was so beautiful in Ewing Basin that I felt almost guilty for having the whole basin to myself. I knew I would never be able to find the words to describe such beauty so I focused on photography, hoping that my photographs could compensate for the inadequacy of words.

Muttering to myself about the tyranny of the clock and shorter days, I headed back, always mindful about sticking to a turnaround time when someone is waiting. Larch Lake would have to wait for another day. It was little solace that I’d been to Larch Lake so long ago that digital cameras hadn’t even been invented. What remains of that long-ago visit is a box of slides in the basement and good memories. Chiwaukum Lake is beautiful but plan on getting to Larch Lake if you can for even wilder and scenic views.

Back at Chiwaukum Lake my companion was waiting for me (I was only one minute late!) and we trudged out of Chiwaukum Lake already anticipating the comforts of the cabin. Hikes always take longer going out it seems – fortunately there were scenic spots the entire way back, including the way the late afternoon light brushed the dark ridges and mountains with a copper tinge.

The next morning we took an easy walk to Picnic Point (about two miles round trip from High Camp). The walk is on a gravel road through clear cuts with views of Glacier Peak. The clear cuts provide a feel for the topography; you can see the spine of the mountains rising from the earth and vegetation beginning to fill in the blank spots that were logged. First we stopped at the short spur to Glacier View (well signed) in hopes of getting a view of Glacier Peak but the clouds were too low. Glacier View is about half-way to Picnic Point where the road ends at an old landing with a connection to the McCue Ridge Trail. A picnic table is provided, of course, where you can enjoy a snack or feast on the views.

Additional Information: You can also approach Chiwaukum Lake and Larch Lake from the Chiwaukum Creek trail though that is a much longer approach and best done as a backpack. The map is Green Trails No. 177 (Chiwaukum Mountains). Other hikes easily within reach of High Camp are Lake Julius and Loch Eileen. Call the Wenatchee River Ranger District in Leavenworth for additional rules/regulations at 509-548-6977 or visit their website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee

For additional information on lodging, rates and seasonal bests or to make a reservation at Scottish Lakes High Camp call 509-763-3044 or visit the website: http://www.scottishlakes.com . You can also view the site for winter cabin availability (2011-2012), a trail map (including ski trails), and a 5-day weather forecast. Dogs are OK if well-behaved and last but certainly not least, Scottish High Camps is also family friendly.

Karen Sykes

Lake Stuart, Alpine Lakes Wilderness

STUART LAKE (ALPINE LAKES WILDERNESS)

You may find it so hard to choose between Colchuck Lake and Stuart Lake for a day hike that you’ll need to flip a coin. Better yet, spend a weekend in Leavenworth and hike to both (or backpack).

Here are a few considerations to help you decide if you only have time to visit one of these lakes.

The trail to Stuart Lake is longer and less steep than the trail to Colchuck Lake but probably a little less crowded. Many hikers/backpackers opt for Colchuck Lake because that is a popular route into the fabled Enchantments. Writing about the Enchantments is beyond the scope of this description but if you’re interested in camping there you’ll need to make a reservation well-ahead of time.

Another consideration - Colchuck Lake is colder, deeper and the trail has more of a mountainous feel to it than Stuart Lake. Having hiked to both lakes we can attest the lakes do have different personalities. Stuart Lake is mellow and inviting; Colchuck is stunning but can also be forbidding. Both lakes are beautiful, each set within granite basins below the Stuart Mountain range.

Since summer temperatures can soar into the mid-90s we settled on Stuart Lake. Do plan an early start – we found the trailhead parking lot almost full when we arrived. Luckily, we managed to find a spot and were soon on the trail.

The trail begins in forest shady enough that twinflower and bead-lily can be found; in September you will be grateful for that shade as the trail begins to climb. Though the trail is rocky in places overall the trail is in good condition as it parallels Mountaineer Creek and easy to follow. Mountaineer Creek also plays a role in helping you stay cool on a warm day by sending you refreshing breezes along the trail.

Between sheltering pines notice where boulders have come to rest; at some point in geologic time having tumbled from ridges and peaks above. In about 0.7 miles the trail enters the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

At about 1-3/4 miles you’ll cross Mountaineer Creek on a sturdy footbridge. Shortly after crossing the creek the trail splits (4,509 feet); continue straight for Stuart Lake (left for Colchuck Lake). Shaggy, knee-high meadows begin to alternate with pine forest and there are still plenty of wildflowers in bloom including delphinium, Indian paintbrush, asters, columbine, arnica and cow parsley.

As you hike take in dramatic views of the stark ridges above; none are within easy reach of hikers. There are also views of Argonaut Peak as you head toward the lake (though the peak is smaller it bears such a close resemblance to Mount Stuart that without a map it is easy to confuse them).

In 4-1/2 miles Stuart Lake (5,075 feet) comes into view; here a path follows the north shoreline with inviting campsites and niches for lunch spots. Most of the campsites were occupied; a large day-use area has been posted “no camping”. If you can’t find a niche beside the lakeshore the day-use site has plenty of room for day-hikers with good views of the lake, surrounding peaks – the sandy reed-lined shoreline also provides opportunities for wading. Bring a map to identify the peaks visible from Stuart Lake including Mount Stuart, Sherpa Peak, Argonaut Peak and Colchuck Peak.

You can explore the trail further as it parallels the lakeshore – here and there rock outcroppings perch above the lake for better views of the peaks. A rough fisherman’s path continues, climbing to Horseshoe Lake where there are purportedly better views of Mount Stuart.

To get there: from the west end of Leavenworth turn onto Icicle Creek road, drive 8.4 miles then turn left onto FS Road No. 7601, continue 4 miles on gravel road to the designated trailhead and facilities (3,389 feet elevation). Fill out a day-use wilderness permit provided at the trailhead before setting out and you’ll also need to display a Northwest Forest Pass.

If you’re hungry after the hike stop at The South Restaurant in Leavenworth for Latin-infused cuisine (hot, hot, hot!) and/or cold drinks. The restaurant is on Front Street in Leavenworth, a block off US 2.

Stats: The hike is 10.5 miles round trip with about 1,850 feet of elevation gain (including ups and downs). The maps are Green Trails No. 209 Mount Stuart and Green Trails No. 177 Chiwaukum Mountains.

For additional information, rules, regulations and current conditions contact Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (Leavenworth) at 509-548-6977 or visit their website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee