Beautiful day! Windier than expected at the lake which kept the bugs away. A few remaining huckleberries. We didn’t realize this lake was open to motorized boats so there were a bunch of fishing boats and folks out there tubing etc. Unexpected to see on a backpacking trip!! The lake was beautiful and the trail was in great shape. For a short hike we didn’t bring poles but there was one crossing with a heavy pack where a single trekking pole would have been helpful. 

This was my first backpacking trip and it was a blast.

Beautiful day for a hike in the shade along Baker Lake. Lots of campers at Anderson point and Maple Grove.

Top of Mt. Baker hidden in clouds for most of hike, came out at the end. Huckleberries all along the trail provides good snacking.

Major bridge is out towards the beginning of the trail, but you can rock jump or wade across.

Bugs weren't bad for me but husband is a mosquito magnet and he was unhappy.

Swam around an hour at the lake before heading back, refreshing.

Great little 3 day adventure with the daughter and dog. everything is in great shape. My little Ford Escort made it to the trail head no problem with some minor maneuvers around bigger potholes. There were a few other groups camping at Maple Grove, some boaters hanging out for the day, and a handful of hikers passing through. all things considered, not a bad crowd for a well maintained, easily accessible campground following a holiday weekend.

June 21 is officially Washington Trails Day this year! 

Washington Trails Day celebrates the trails that connect us to our state’s natural beauty. It's also a day to take action so we can continue to benefit from these outdoor experiences. 

Three of us from WTA were at the trailhead celebrating the day with hikers, and educating people about advocacy work we can all do. This year, national leaders like the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum have proposed selling national public lands — to give them away for development, open them to resource extraction or use them to generate revenue. Our message today:

Our public lands are not for sale.

You can read more and take your own action here.

There was also a separate group of WTA folks doing trail maintenance work today: hurray!

The Anderson Creek Bridge is washed out. That is 1.3 miles from the south trailhead and 12.5 miles from the north trailhead. Some people choose to forge the river with appropriate precautions. Some people (like my group) choose to stay on just one side of that river.