Sending Off the Summer: A Trip Through the Northern Cascades
To send the summer off in style, Jim, Rua, and their trusty adventure dog, Charlie, set out for an epic tour of the Cascade Range in both Oregon and Washington. Read on to learn more about their trip and find inspiration for your next outdoor adventure!
The Adventure Begins...
Starting in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, the trio set out on a five-mile hike from the Cabot Lake Trailhead to their first camping spot at Carl Lake, directly south of Mt. Jefferson. There, they were greeted by bushes bursting with ample supplies of tart huckleberries, a grazing mountain goat, and miles of scenic trails winding through alpine meadows, rocky outcrops, and stands of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine. During their stay, they completed a 10-mile roundtrip hike to Table Lake, and took in the sights of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
Mountains, Marmots, and Memories Made
After concluding their stay in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Jim, Rua, and Charlie endured a mind-numbing ride north on I-5 to Bellingham, Washington. There, they backpacked through Park Butte at the base of Mt. Baker. During their stay, they observed climbers making their way back down after ascending Mt. Baker, and even heard about a dog that had summitted the peak. Highlights during their stay in Park Butte included observing a colony of foraging marmots packing in the calories before their winter hibernation, crossing opaque, silty glacial creeks, and walking along the “Railroad Grade” – a narrow ridge at the base of Mt. Baker that marks the beginning of the climber’s route.
Now That's a View
Next on the adventure list after Park Butte was Yellow Aster Butte, where Jim, Rua, and Charlie hiked and trail ran to the tip of the butte to soak in a 360-degree view of Mt. Larrabee to the northeast, Mt. Baker to the southwest, and Goat Mountain to the southeast. Other hikers commented that, from afar, Charlie looked every bit like a mountain goat scrambling across the narrow ridge. To wrap up their on-foot adventures, they hiked the Rock Trail in Larrabee State Park -- a steep path that descends along sandstone cliffs pockmarked with networks of eroded holes.
Adding Some Speed to the Mix
In addition to plenty of hiking and backpacking, Jim and Rua mounted their full-suspension mountain bikes to take advantage of a well-loved network of trails in Galbraith and an adjacent trail system called Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve. While in the preserve, the trio tackled the long, techy, MTB-specific descent of Cougar Ridge Trail before heading back to more familiar trails in Galbraith, including Irish Death, 911, and Bob’s Trail.
Want to learn more?
If you’re interested in planning your own adventure and have questions about gear, destinations, or general advice on exploring the gorgeous natural areas in our neck of the woods, be sure to visit the Peak Sports Outdoor Store. In addition to a huge selection of premium outdoor gear and apparel, our staff of sales guides are experts on local outdoor adventures. We’ll be happy to help you get outdoors and make the most of your next adventure!