With only one other car in the parking area, I set off at a brisk pace, trying to get through the parts that I remembered from last year while also trying to make time so I could take things a little slower in the snow.  Only one car meant that I would most likely have the entire trail to myself, something that I felt I needed this weekend.  Sometimes solitude is more healing than any medication prescribed.

I crossed the creek marking the beginning of the climbs.  The trail to North Lake is not very steep while looking at it's 4000 feet over 5.5 miles.  But most of the elevation is just after the creek, climbing at a grade that equals Mt. Defiance, about 1000 feet for every mile.

While climbing, the weather cleared and blue skies opened up.  I could clearly see Mt. St. Helens and it's plumes of relief as I climbed up the switchbacks.

I zoomed in close with my camera and confirmed that there were plumes indeed.  From my vantage point, I could truly appreciate how much of the mountain was currently missing due to the 1980 eruption.

As I crossed a scree field, I noticed that there was not the snow of last year.  In fact, there was no snow, compared to last year's foot or so that was at this very spot.

I crested out at the 3900 foot mark where Bob and I stopped last year and was incredulous at the lack of the white, fluffy, life giving, frozen water.  There were only traces as it sent my mind in a bit of a funk.  As easy as the hiking was due to the lack of snow, I really was not looking forward to the summer's wildfires and droughts that arose because of it.

The days were short as I pondered whether or not to move on.  I did not want the same experience I had last time and chose to move on, even if it meant hiking the last of the trail in the dark.  About a half a mile further, a magnificent view of Mt. Defiance appeared.  It had a bit more snow, defiantly more than where I was, as it helped ease my worry of the future.

Soon after, I ran into an old, experienced backpacker.  Indeed only the hardy would be up here during this time of year.  As I am terrible at remembering names, I forgot his, but will call him the experienced one.  We spent some time together chatting about trails and various gear manufacturers.  I love talking to people with knowledge and experience that only time could provide as I have always respected and looked up to them. 

He offered to take a picture of me.  I could not refuse as it was an honor.  We said our goodbyes as I would miss him and most likely never see him again.  I would love to go on a long hike with someone that experienced someday, if only to learn.  Quickly, I made the rest of the way to the lake.

My jaw dropped as a involuntary gasp escaped my mouth.  It was frozen and incredibly beautiful.  The position of the hillsides made this one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen during this time of year as I quickly found a spot to sit and gaze at it's beauty.  I ate lunch while gazing, star struck as I suddenly grew sad that Bob has never seen it.  We never made it last year.

As the winds picked up, so did I with my pack and slipped it over my chilling body.  A Magical place at such a magical time.  So many of these kids of places exist if one would only spend the effort to find them.

I was running out of time on my hike as I picked up the pace.  Days are short this time of year, but I am glad I decided to carry on past the crest.  If I hadn't, I would have missed the experienced one as well as the lake itself, losing out on all the opportunity this trip had to offer.

Home