We settled down for 4 days in Marblemount on HWY 20 in the North Cascades, a simple small Camp Ground with full hookups, week WiFi , only 27 sites , only cash and a friendly manager.
We called ahead to reserve a spot from the 1st of October and thought we will have problems getting in on Labor Day , but it all went well and smooth
The location is great for touring the Baker Lake area and the Newhalem area, you have to be prepared to low or almost no cell phone signal, very limited grocery shops and high gas prices and pray for good weather (which we had).
On the next day we explored Lake Baker area. a huge lake with many C.G (no hookups) around it ,lots of water activities and all in a beautiful surroundings.
A short hike in the Shadow of Sentinels is worth taking to see the big trees ,ferns and moose , there is a loop good trail usable with a wheelchair .
It was time for our traditional picnic just before starting our hike towards the glacier on Mount Baker and we found a great spot with a view of the Lake and the snow on top of the Mountain.
To reach the Trail Head we had to drive 10 Miles on a bad gravel heavily used road that for some reason the Forest Service is doing too little to maintain it, there were parts that I had slowdown and almost stop to overcome ditches, but finally we made it to the parking lot loaded with cars and had to park long side the road.
A Park Ranger had a table near the parking lot but had no maps of the trails and could only explain verbally about the routes that later we found not accurate at all, so next time I will bring trail maps from home...
It is our second time hiking Mount Baker but first time from the East side (see my previous blogs)
We chose to hike High Camp trail one of the hikes that lead to a glacier with panoramic views when reaching the last third of the hike.
The hike gains 1200' and is 3 miles all the way up, we passed 2 rivers on rocks, one river on a bridge , most of the trail is in shade , it was challenging but very rewarding, the good parts are the views and the way down....
Another great adventure ended with a hot shower followed by dinner wine a bottle of wine, life is good.
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