This is what we did for the weekend of the 4th of July. We organized a co-family vacation with a family from Alex's school. They are hikers too and we all get along wonderfully. I find that the kids can hike much longer when they have small people to chatter away with on the way down (or up) the mountainsides.
The drive out on highway 20 is gorgeous. Some of the best scenery n America, in my opinion. Waterfalls galore, huge dammed lakes (3 of them on one river, the Skagit) and mountains capped in snow. We stopped at a powerhouse and Alex was thrilled to see all the huge generators doing their job. Then we hiked behind the building and saw this waterfall.
This is a bridge across the river on the way to the powerhouse.
Then another couple hours down the road, we hiked this trail - one mile, flat, paved and at an elevation of 4800 feet. At the end is quaint Rainy Lake which boasts the highest magnitude waterfall in the state. You can see in July, there was still snow on the trail. This road closes every year in October and opens in May or sometimes June, when the plows can get back across the passes.
Then we got to our stopping point - Mazama, WA which is on the dry, lee side of the range, just barely.
We stayed at a working ranch. Meaning, they boarded horses and had a barn and lots of tall grass and open space - all things we don't get to see very much, so it was all very novel. Feeding the horses was very entertaining. As was playing in the huge, empty hay loft and just running around the park-like grounds.
The hammock was busy full time!
And the hot tub even got visited.
Then we drove to Goat Wall. This is one of the most famous rock climbing spots in the state. I have read a bunch about the area and wanted to see the crazy climbers in action.
This is the Adams clan - Melissa and Rob, and their kids Julian and Korinne. Julian was in Alex's class last year, but it now in 4th grade (3 grades in each Montessori classroom, remember) and Korinne is Alex's age and in a different room at the same school. They are all buddies. Erik holds his own with the 3 and gets plenty of attention from the older ones who like to take care of him.
Alex near the Goat Wall.
Melissa and Rob
This is called the "Barefoot River Crossing Dance"
Chris relaxing back at the ranch
The big hike! We decided to tackle a 5 mile round trip hike that had an elevation increase of 1400 feet. That's big for most adults, but we thought the kids could make it with the right combination of friends, food and surprise at the top. Most hikes my kids do are completely forested, so they get to see the inside of the woods, never reaching the tops of the peaks to see the views. This one gave us views!
Me, just cresting the top of the last ridge
The fire lookout and the end of the hike, which contained the "surprise"
Group photo at the top
This is Lightning Bill (the surprise) who has tended the fire lookout and been on watch here for 16 years, every summer. He spends a week at a time up there and really enjoys fresh cookies. Probably a lot better than the hard tack he is used to. He gave the kids a Smokey Bear coloring book and told stories!
We had lunch on top by the lookout, then headed back down. Beginning the descent, snow still covering the trail in some spots.
One of the views: Larch trees (only grow above 5000 ft) and various mountains with names I have forgotten.
Mountain meadow vista, looking back toward the valley where the ranch is.
Back on the hammock
Another day, another hike, and now the little legs are getting tired. Time for a rest and a little discussion.
The trail was Cutthroat Lake trail, this is Cutthroat mountain.
At the lake, we stopped to rest and feed the "camp robbers". They are Gray Jays and they land right in your hand for a treat. Look near Alex's arm for the feathered guy about to land.
Keeping company
Washington Pass Overlook
Click on this one to see it big!
This is our last stop before we trek back home. Washington Pass reminds both Chris and I of Zion Nat'l Park. The pass is 5400 feet and the peaks are all above 8000 feet. You can see the curly road at the bottom right if you click on the image to see it larger.
This is the second summer we have spent time in this area of the state. It is gorgeous and quiet and the whole drive is amazing.
Feel free to say something in the comments so I know you were here. Until next post... Bye!
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