2026.10.18. Lake Ingalls

10/18, Sunday. Fall color is fading fast in the mountain. Headed out to Lake Ingalls to catch the last golen needles. It rained on Saturday, learning from last Sunday, we left Seattle shortly before 9am.

It's a 2.5 hr drive. Of course the parking lot was full, but found a spot right outside with one wheel hanging over a ditch.

The trail zig-zags above the north bank of North Fork Teanaway River. Green all around. Seeing hikers and a few backpackers coming down already. Before the fork to Longs Pass at ~5400', you emerge above the trees (green). Frozen ground, but yesterday's snow had melted. Rocky. Views of Esmeralda Peaks at the other side of the vally, and Fortune Pass to the west. Near the top of the ridge, you can see Rainier.

Only after reached Ingalls Pass (~6500'), you start to see larches, and the imposing Mt. Stuart. Quite a lot north of the pass. However, almost all tall trees were bare on the upper half: maybe blown off by yesterday's wind. Colors were more brown than a week ago. Still lovely, especially lit by sun. Saw 4 maybe 6 goats high up towards Ingalls Peak.

After a short lunch break at the pass, headed to the lake. Took the higher route over. Most hikers took this route to and back. Quite some people at the lake. No larch here, but still pretty.

After another snack break by the lake, we took the lower route back. ~10 years ago, I camped here with a group of ladies from Portland. This route is quieter. More trees. The Headlight Creek is tiny, but still has running water (not sure from where). Back at Ingalls Pass ~3:30pm. The sun had already dipped low enough that most of the basin was in shade.

On our way out, still seeing people heading up. Without the sun, the colors they see would be dull. Smooth sailing. Saw 3 families of deers (mother and children) on the drive out on Teanaway Road.

Filled gas at Cle Elum.

2026.10.11. Stuart Lake to Horseshoe

10/10, Saturday. Rained all morning, but the forecast promised mostly sunny Sunday. Left Seattle ~5pm. Drove through more rain around Issaquah. A herd of deer on on 97.

Rain had stopped, still some water on the ground, which reflects lights. Leavenworth October Fest. Lively. Live band, lot of lights and people. However, $30+ for 1 bratwurst + 1 beer + 1 small potato salad is expensive, plus the potato salad tasted foul.

We arrived at Stuart/Colcuck Lake TH ~8:30pm. About a dozen cars there already. This is one of the most popular TH in WA this time of the year. This is why we decided to come the night before to secure a parking spot. Packed good ear plugs. But forgot eye patch. There are cars coming throughout the night, headlights are very bright. My partner had built wooden planks over the trunk and back seats to make the space leveled. Climbing in and out is a bit of a struggle, otherwise, works quite well. The night was quite cold. Clear, stars out.

10/11, Sunday. Chilly, disappointly overcast. Up at 6am. The parking lot was already full, and busy. Still needed headlamp. My buddy couldn't locate his wallet. We decided to go ahead and look for it later when it's bright. Need to bring a pen to fill out the permit, because there was only 1 pencil. The trail wasn't as busy as I dreaded, maybe due to the weather. Once we veered off to Stuart Lake trail (at mile ~2), didn't see anyone until the lake.

As we gained elevation, more and more snow, sometimes obscured the trail. Here's the meadow on the way to the lake: a winter wonderland. The alders along the trail were laiden with snow, drooping so low. Right before the lake, we had to crawl under a particular thick strech of bending trees, got snow all over us.

Arrived at Stuart Lake ~9am. At the far end of the lake, saw 2 tents at 2 camps. One couple were cooking breakfast. Some reeds in the water by the edge, very pretty, stll chilly.

We continued into the trees. Soon, the trail became difficult to follow. Eventually we lost the trail. I followed the GPS map on my phone, bushwacking through snow on maybe game tracks, traversing the lower slope north of a swampy meadow. Almost gave up, more than once. After ~1 hour of struggle, we reached the far end of this large marshy area. Overshot the trail, which is supposed to go up through trees and rocks. Couldn't see where that might be exactly under the blanket of snow. Decided to scramble up the boulders up the headwater valley for a bit. Can see quite some larches on the rocky slopes around, but they were covered in snow, so not very colorful. Picked a large boulder to sit on, ate an early lunch. Only ~10:40. Waiting for the sun to shine through. Not safe to continue with all this fresh snow. Got pretty cold quickly, so we turned back.

On the way back, we skirted closer to the marshy meadow, sinking at times. My boots got completely wet. No more bushwacking. This swampy meadow sure is pretty, setting against the talus field we just scrambled on. Here's a photo at the begining of the meadow. Only now, saw a sliver of blue sky: maybe the sun would finally come out. Met a large group heading to Horseshoe Lake. Hope an hour late start will give them better chance. Already less snow than when we arrived.

Back at Stuart Lake. Saw 2 deer. Better visibility now, so lingered a bit for photos.

By the time we came back to the meadow in the first photo (taken at 8:13am), the snow was almost gone. This photo was taken at ~1:30pm. What a big difference.

Smooth sailing all the way back to TH. Saw cars parked along the road to Eightmile TH. Looked around the parking lot and in the car for the wallet. Made a stop at Leavenworth Sausage Garten to inquire about the wallet. Nothing.

Still early, able to buy some apples at one of the many produce stands along Hwy-2. This time, I bought a variety called Hunnyz, which is new to me.

Filled gas at Cle Elum. No traffic today. Sunny in Seattle, looked like a different world.

Lessons (re)learned:

• Snow takes some time to melt. Need to start hiking late for the sun to do its job.
• Need to pack eye patch.
• I brought the stove, but forgot the gas. Need to put the gas can in the pot.
• Colors are dull without sunshine.
• Day-old weather forecast is not reliable.
• Fresh snow makes everything wet, from head to toe.

2026.10.4. Easy Pass to Kitling Peak

10/4, Sunday. 4 of us met at Green Lake P&R at 6:30am. 1 no-show. ~3hr drive. The small parking lot at Easy Pass TH was full when we pulled in. But parked just outside. By the time we all saddled up, the short spur road was full, ~9:40am.

The trail to Easy Pass is straighforward. Larch is only at the pass. Perfect timing to see them now. The red huckleberry below the pass, and furthur below fireweed leaves are red with flurry seeds. However, need to start ~half an hour later to truely experience the glory fall color, becase the sun didn't reach the valley when we walked by the red carpet, until the very last 15 minutes.

By the time I reached the pass, it was almost noon. After a lazy month, I'm out of shape. We are only half way, and the rest is much more challenge. So no rest. We continued.

The unamed ridge west above Easy Pass is a must: much better view of the Fisher Creek basin below and all around (see my last visit). Right now, bright yellow grass and red huckleberry on the way is a treat.

From here on, the scramble becomes real, and the progress gets slow. Soon, I was lagging behind so much that I had to find my own route. We basically followed the ridge proper. You can see my group on the photo way ahead of me. The traverse on the ridge, a lot of up and downs. But the rocks are pretty solid. I took lower router eventually on the left (north) side, and much lower on my way out, which is probably not a good idea. The rocks on the slope are loose at times, and the slope is quite steep. Also quite some side ridges to get over. The exposure is less, and I was lagging behind too much, couldn't afford any slip.

The summit is just a narrow ridge. The view is grand, however, I was too exhausted to enjoy. It was already 3pm, and my group was eager to head out. We need to get down to Easy Pass in the day light. I didn't even have time to finish my sandwich, and followed them down. Soon, again, I was alone. This at least verified my route finding skill.

My group waited for me at the ridge above Easy Pass. We got back to Easy Pass ~5:30pm. The sun sets early now. This photo was taken at 6:12. Around 6:30pm, it was quite dark. I didn't quite need to use headlamp. When we drove out ~7pm, it was dark. Still a few cars at the TH.

Picked these black chanterelles on my way out in the forest. I didn't even know chanterelle comes in black.

I got back home before 11pm. Total ~10 miles, ~5000'.

2026.8.16. Mt Ellinor

8/16, Sunday. Smokey in all directions except for Olympic Peninsular. Headed to Mount Ellinor, armed with some sandwiches from yesterday.

Well maintained trail with wooden steps. Quite some Cone Plant in the wet forest.

Above the trees, quite a lot of aster, yarrow, ... still blooming. Very cloudy.

A lot of people today. I guess, we don't have much choice. Waited a long time at the summit. The clouds never left. No view.

2026.8.9. Gothic Basin and Del Campo

8/9, Sunday. Clear sky. After a week of haze and high temperature, this is a welcome reprise.

A lot of cars at Gothic Basin TH. Trail is straighforward, all the way to Foggy Lake. People dipped into the cold water after the sweaty hike. A lot of people though.

After lunch, I headed to Del Campo. There is a clear trail all the way to the talus field. Still a bit of snow left at the bottom, where I filled up my water bottle. This photo on the left was taken from the trail, no scramble needed yet.

I made a mistake scrambling all the way to the end of that field, because I remembered turning left there, and rounded back. A mistake. Had to back down, and scaled the peak more or less directly. There were a steady stream of folks trying to climb Del Campo. I forgot to pack a helmet. The view on the summit is stupendous. Not a lot of room. I stood on different spots to take photos so not to have other climbers in my shot.

I climbed down very slowly. Always feels more dangerous on my way down. I might be the last person off the mountain, even though 2 more went up on my way down.

On my hike out of Foggy Lake, I stumbled onto the southern shore of the lower Foggy Lake. It's a very nice detour. No one out here. New to me.

Saw a few more backpackers hiking in, on my way out.

A couple of take-aways:

• always bring a helmet, if climbing
• cannot rely on my memory

2026.8.1. Summerland - Panhandle Gap

8/1, Saturday. This year, no more timed entry reservation at Mount Rainier. For fear of long line at the gate, we left home before 7am. Thanks to the unfavorable (40% precipitation) weather forecast, there was no line at the gate. There was a sign at the turn to the Sunrise Road, warning parking lot full. Luckily, got a parking spot right at the TH lot. It was drizzling as we laced up our boots. The car next to ours, the driver had his seatback down, sleeping.

Summerland trail starts in the forest. The light rain was mostly blocked by the trees. The asters near the Panhandle River is always nice. Passed prime now, as this year had been very dry. By then, the rain had stopped. Low clouds, limited view.

Continued past Summerland towards Panhandle Gap. Still very foggy. Monkeyflowers are still abundant. Some gentium. Lupine all dead. Saw only 1 marmot.

At Panhandle Gap, a group of Chinese backpackers were taking photos of each other. Very happy and loud. Too cloudy. Couldn't see Adams.

From the gap, I headed up right (west) towards an unnamed peak. There is a clear boot track which I followed to its end. Then rocks. After some scramble, I gave up. Good view looking down to the gap. Too bad: so cloudy.

Back the same way, and waited a bit more for the clouds to lift. No luck. Back to Summerland and out. It was less cloudy than on our way up, but still too cloudy. Never saw Rainier. Beautiful non the less. Temperature was perfect for hiking.

We were very luckly. The following week, the road to Sunrise was closed due to fire.

2026.7.25-26 Cady Ridge - Meander Meadow

A new trail for me, not a new area. Based on recent reports on 40+ blowdowns on Little Wenatchee trail, we opted to do Cady Ridge in and out, instead of Cady Ridge - Meaander Meadow loop. There were bear sighting. So I brought my bear can.

7/25, Saturday. Cloudy. Chances of rain 20%.

It's a longer than expected drive due to a road closure (Rainy Creek Rd/NF-67) and a detour. First, when we turned off Lake Wenatchee Hwy onto Little Wenatchee River rd (FSR65), Google Map insisted that the road was closed, and no alternative available. Then, istead of the paved 3 miles, had to go on the rough Devils Club Road towards Poe Mountain TH. Then drop down to the last ~3 miles of rough Little Wenatchee River Road (NF-65). So very slow 6 miles. At one point, a tree branch got stuck under the car. We had to crawl under the car to dislodge it. In the meantime, probably lost a pair of sunglasses. This detour seems be here for at least a year.

This TH is at the end of the road, shared by 3 trails. A few SUVs parked. A couple of minutes onto trail, saw an NFS guy working on a pile of down trees, another one carrying a jerry can walking out. Scramble over their working area, dropping down to a substantial bridge. Then it's in trees. Zigzag, steadily gaining elevation. Not many down trees. About an hour into the trail without seeing anyone else, a rock flew down and hit the trail in front us, made a loud noise. It turns out a group of 4 campers were one zigzag above us. They were coming down. A lady in the group kicked off the rock to clear her path. That's one irresponsible thing to do. It could very much hit my head if I were just 1 minute earlier. After that, no incident. Just very dry and dusty trail. At some point, there were burnt trees.

~2 hours from TH, reached a flat campsite. No water though. Soon after, ~4 some miles in, there's a large clearing on the ridge: fire breaker. I really liked it here. Good view on both sides. Grassy, flat. Here's the photo taken on our way out when visibility was better.

Now, less elevation gain, mostly following the ridge, some ups and downs (5200'-5400'), in and out of trees. ~2 miles later, we entered a large flowering meadow/slope. Lovely here. Cool breeze, still quite some corn lily, bistort, heathers. I would like to come again on a better flower year.

6.5 miles from TH, PCT. Right before the junction is another campsite (water is not far).

We turned south on PCT for 0.4 miles to Lake Sally Ann for the night. This lake is very much used. Many established campsite and use trails. No one else around, so we could pick any site. My bad idea of pitching the tent out in the open on the dirt. Good view, but it was somewhat windy, and dust coated the tent inside out. I stashed a can of beer in the only snow patch on the north shore. Without the sun, but has wind, it got quite chilly.

Spent the rest of the day fishing. Tried at different spots around the lake, got no bite. The wind is blowing northward. All the fishes were pushed to the north. As soon as we moved to the north, a big fish took the bite. However, it's too big. In the struggle, the fishing reel broke off. No more fishing. Retrieve the beer, back to camp. Because I brought too many sandwiches, we didn't even cook dinner.

A guy arrived, then 2 ladies doing PCT section hike. They didn't like how erode the lake shore is. The night was chilly, lots of condensation on the tent.

7/26, Sunday. The morning sun was blocked by a thick layer of clouds. We took a day pack, headed out at 6:50am. The other campers were already gone.

Heading on PCT north to Dishpan Gap. Saw a guy packing up his tent (no water on site). Clouds were slowly burning off. As the day wore on, more distant mountains came in view. Many years ago, I came to Dishpan Gap from the north on PCT (camped at White Pass with Zack and Ashley).

Today, we turned off PCT at Dishpan Gap onto Little Wanatchee River trail east. The trail goes along a flowering slope. Saw baby grouse without mother. After awhile, and went down to Meander Meadow. There, on the western slope of this lovely valley, saw a big black bear, slowly moving about. At the bottom of the meadow, saw 2 tents, and a few mosquitoes. We continued on to the trail looping back on Meander Meadown Trail on the south slope. This slope is not as pretty. Yes, heather and some gentium.

Back on to PCT, I decided to go up to Kodak Peak. Went up there last time. PCT practically goes around it. The trek up to Kodak Peak is fairly easy. The very top is a flat tent site with some trees blocking the view to the west. By now, the sky has cleared out. Outstanding view.

Back at tent, my partner was taking a nap. We packed up. Took some extra effort to wipe the tent from the reddish dust. A couple arrived, looking around the lake, and they took off onto Cady Ridge trail. We left ~1pm. I filled my water bottle at a little creek near the trail junction, before turning off onto Cady Ridge trail.

Going back on Cady Ridge trail over the flowering slope. It is pretty. However, with the sun shining and we were gaining elevation, I didn't enjoy it as much as yesterday.

~7 miles from the lake to TH. Saw a couple at the first campsite where I took the photo earlier with my backpack. Later, saw 2 runners (I don't know why people like to run on dusty trails) going up, and then coming down in less than an hour. They couldn't have reached very far to warrent any view. When we arrived at the parking lot, only 2 cars left. The big mess at the turn of the trail was cleared up. Thanks to the 2 NFS employees.

~3 hours drive home, didn't find the lost sunglasses. Near the delapidated house with a large solar panel, saw a black bear running across the road.

Overall, this is a very enjoyable trip: no crowd, almost no bugs, millions of flowers, sweeping views, 2 bears. I'll definitely come back, maybe camp for 2 nights.