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| Fall hikes | |
| · | Cascade Pass |
| · | Chain Lakes Loop |
| · | Table Mountain |
| · | Bench and Snow Lakes |
| · | Beverly-Turnpike |
| · | Longs Pass/Ingalls Lake/Esmeralda Basin |
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By the time you negotiate what seems like the 557th switchback on the way to Cascade Pass, you might feel a little dizzy. But the trail itself is not nearly as dizzying as the views you find up high at Cascade Pass. Chain Lakes Loop (Mt. Baker) Youâve seen the photos of pure-white Mount Baker reflected in a quaint alpine lake, perhaps with a chunk of ice floating off to the side. This is where you go to take your own. Table Mountain (Northeast of Mount Baker) You switchback up the lava cliffs, peer over the side, get weak-kneed, and keep going. The scenery ÷ fantastic views of Mount Shuksan, in particular ÷ keep you juiced as you chug to the top. Once there, pause and soak in the views and the cleanest air in the Northwest. Bench and Snow Lakes (Mount Rainier) Bring the camera. Bring the kids. The first lake, Bench, is reached in three-quarters of a mile. Half a mile beyond is Snow Lake, a gorgeous droplet beneath barren 6,940-foot Unicorn Peak. Beverly-Turnpike (Alpine Lakes Wilderness) From the Ingalls Creek Trail, itâs possible to make any number of excellent two- or three-day loops. A return via the Fourth Creek Trail to the east makes a 15-mile loop that should sate your appetite for high, dry alpine scenery. Longs Pass/Ingalls Lake/Esmeralda Basin (Alpine Lakes Wilderness) This trail packs a lot of punch per mile. From a single trailhead sprout three rare, relatively easy opportunities to introduce the entire family to your old friend Mount Stuart, one of Washingtonâs highestöand inarguably most ruggedöalpine peaks. |
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