August 5 - Goat Rocks Wilderness
Whereas the first hundred miles into Washington was long ups and downs on steep trails or old logging roads surrounded by trees, the next seventy miles have been mostly spectacular. Yesterday was in the foothills of an enormous volcano, Mt. Adams, with evidence of lava and debris flows, some of which continue today. Today has been in another old volcanic area ringed with high peaks and very steep slopes leading to narrow forested valleys. There is still snow melting up here. Across from and below my campsite is a still frozen lake nestled between the craggy peaks. These are not the pretty peaks of the High Sierra. They look more like the jagged edges of a lava flow. Below the peaks sparse trees and grassy meadows dominate the landscape. Wild flowers are everywhere.
Goat Rocks appears to be a very popular area. There are backpackers of all descriptions here from families to PCT hikers. Mostly there are groups out for some weekend challenges.
Interestingly this area is part of the Yakima Tribe's reservation, but other than a few signs prohibiting hunting and off trail exploring they seem to allow hikers without restrictions. I don't think that is typical elsewhere. I applaud the tribe for sharing this area. It's quite beautiful.
As the smoke clears towards sunset Mt. Adams is just becoming visible. Rainer and St. Helens are also out there, somewhere, or so I'm told.
Flowers along the trail.
Starting into Goat Rocks Wilderness.
Campsite up on top of a pass. Nice breeze.
Hikingsolo (aka Allen)
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