In 2017 the Hidden Lakes area of the central Pasayten was badly burned by fire. 3 days backpacking here made me realize there is immense beauty in devastation and that nature is extraordinarily resilient.
A trip report from a 3 day solo backpack of the Devil's Dome loop in the Pasayten. Devilishly steep? Absolutely, but full of heavenly ridgetop camps, North Cascades vistas, and surprising solitude.
A beautiful hike to an old lookout site above Bridge Creek near Twisp. Not much history is known about this one.
Clark Peak (7,890') just south of Tiffany Mountain in the Tiffany Highlands has an incredibly steep north face and makes a great peakbagging destination, especially during the summer wildflower show.
A visit to the spectacular broad summit of Cooper Mountain high atop Chelan Ridge, the location of several old fire lookout structures.
Doe Mountain in the Okanogan Range is a former fire lookout site that makes for a sublime ridge line cross country outing. Neighboring Ike Mountain is an easy bonus.
Driveway Butte is a fantastic former fire lookout site just west of Mazama. The route is notoriously dry and hot and will test your legs but reward you with gorgeous views of the North Cascades, Pasayten, and spectacular Goat Wall.
Playing gear Tetris on a Friday night, sleeping in my Jeep with my dog during a rainstorm.. just your normal Labor Day weekend outing!
Relatively unknown Fawn Peak in Mazama is a gem of a peakbagging destination. One of the the 200 most prominent mountains in Washington, Fawn provides an enjoyable, open, ridge line traverse, plenty of spring flowers, and a broad summit with stunning 360 views.
A 2017 16 mile loop through the Goat Rocks Wilderness to enjoy high alpine flowers and visit two former lookout sites.
A plan B hike through the fog to Hex Mountain after a whole lot of fail trying to find another trailhead. It turned into a suprisingly beautiful outing!
A wonderful ridgeline traverse to McClure Mountain, not only a prominent high point in Twisp but also a former fire lookout location.