From the trail head at Sloan Creek we traveled to Mackinaw Shelter and spent one night. Light bugs, well traveled trail and many people departing as well as entering the wilderness...too many people in fact. The next morning we traveled to the junction of the PCT and on up to White pass where we spent another night in the crowded campground...a line to the toilet. Beautiful views and a 1.5 mile trek down the Foam Creek trail and up off-trail to the ridge of White Mountain for spectacular views of Glacier Peak. Many NOBO PCT hikers moving up to Canada...great stories from "Georgia man" and advice. Next morning hit the PCT and headed down to Kodak Peak and Dishpan Gap...water in very few spots. Wonderful view of 2 F-18's flying low and up and over near Bryant Peak. From Dishpan we turned West on trail 650 over Wards Pass and on up to trail 652.1 - better known now as "Steep and Dangerous". Be careful here as the trail is thin, rocky and steep. We were awarded a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains as well as Big Blue Lake from 6200' overlook. Down into Big Blue Lake is again steep and slippery. We spent 2 days in Big Blue Lake climbing Johnson Mountain and relaxing around the beautiful lake. Again, more people than we would have liked. The near 12 miles out the final day awarded us with fresh Blueberries, spectacular views, fog and a very log covered route on trail 652 back down to 649. Beware the steepness of trail 652 as it is not for the faint of heart.

This was my first time to this area and I know I'll be back. It's a loop listed in the Washington Classics Hike book as well. And it's easy to see why it's recommended. It's best to do this trip as an overnight as least. If you have extra days to tack on, there is plenty to explore. This trip started at the Little Wenatchee River TH. We headed up this trail towards Meandor Meadows. The trail is very brushy but you're still able to find your way....the brush is close to 5 feet high is sections. Fortunately it was dry or we would have been soaked. It worked well to keep the bugs off. This trail is very flat until the last mile or so which is quite steep and takes you up to the meadow. There is water in many places along this trail and in the meadow as well. The camp sites are nice. The mosquitos were pretty pesty but there were only rare black flies around. We saw only 2 other hikers this first day. Day 2, we headed up to the PCT and up to Kodak Peak for some peak a boo views of Glacier Peak, White mountain, and Indian Peak. The views along the PCT in this area are spectacular. We headed over to Dishpan gap, took a couple of side trails to take in some extra views, then started along the PCT towards Lake Sally Ann. There is no water between the meadow and the lake. However, during our hike to the lake, the clouds had started to build, and the sky opened up just an hour from camp. It was hailing for a bit, then a steady downpour. We took shelter under some trees at camp and set up camp after 3 hours of precip. The sites at this sweet little lake are quite nice. The skies cleared overnight and offered some great views in the am. We took the Cady Ridge trail to complete the loop. This trail is in excellent shape but the last 2 miles are a pretty steep decline. I was glad to be hiking it downhill. We passed 5 other hikers on this trail. We enjoyed more views of the surrounding mountains in every direction from this nice ridge walk before heading into the cool forest and heading steeply downhill. This loop is amazing, and there is more to explore if you have the time.

Spent Labor day weekend up in the Glacier Peak area. Arrived at the Little Wenatchee ford trailhead and only found 6-7 other cars, very promising for Labor Day weekend and headed up the Cady Ridge Trail (after reading trip reports, neither of us wanted to come down it, even with poles). It was steep but fortunately in the trees through much of the switchbacks so not too hot. Missed the wildflowers by probably a couple of weeks but the views were beautiful and we were more than compensated for lack of flowers by an abundance of blueberries and huckleberries, one certainly would not starve up there right now! We set up camp at Meander Meadows where we camped for two nights. For those with older GTM's, be advised that what appears to be the 'official' trail leading from the PCT to the camp sites has moved to the east side of the valley, it is well maintained and has clearly been worked on, but if you are using an old GTM (the electronic version is old) you will think you are on the wrong side of the valley. On day two we headed to White Pass on the PCT. Perfect weather, reasonably cool so we arrived at White Pass before our turnaround time and so decided to go to Red Pass. The section to Red Pass was one of our favorite trails, very dramatic views down the valley. Loved the moonscape views from Red Pass, can't wait to do this as a section hike from Steven's to Stehekin, have the perfect campsite picked out! On the last day we got up early and put a stove and breakfast in our packs and headed up Kodak Peak for 360 degree views, it was fantastic, didn't want to leave the top but eventually had to come down and return to the real world. Hiked out the Little Wenatchee River trail, it served its purpose of being the shortest trail back to the parking lot (and ultimately Zeke's), but seriously it had no redeeming value, in fact it was sort of a god forsaken trail! Hot, very brushy and few views (OK, the first half had blueberries so we grazed). The only thing I would do differently would be to come out the Cady Pass, then Cady Creek trails to make a loop to the west, it's longer but would avoid a 7 mile bushwhack. Seriously great hike....fantastic weather (just enough clouds to make the sky interesting, but no rain, beautiful views and not too many people especially for a holiday week end, we ended up doing 43 miles in all. Saw marmots, ptarmigan, pica, elk, eagles, hawks, ravens and many other birds but no bears :-(. Bugs present but not horrible.

Spent 2 nights camped on the North Fork Skykomish river, with a dayhike sandwiched in to climb Kodak Peak. The North Fork Sky trail is in good shape and cleared of blowdowns but appears to not get too much use on the upper 1/2, with debris on the trail and woody plants invading. Plenty of water running still up to the river crossing (good log still there) and camping beyond at 3680'. No water from there until you get to the river camping area at 4300'. The next water is at around 5100' after the steep climb from the river up to the meadows at 5000'. I camped 2 nights at the 4300' camp. River running strong. I noticed from 2 years ago that people have started building big fire rings right in the middle of logical places to pitch a tent. Darn it people! Quit building fire rings! Saw several groups camped at Dishpan Gap, and quite a few people hiking both ways on the PCT. Small trickle of water 1/4 or so north from Dishpan Gap. A better source is running further near Sauk Pass where a still large snowfield is melting. Note: this flows down into the Sauk drainage and can't been seen from the trail unless you leave the PCT and follow a trail a couple hundred yards to the left over the divide. Many places to camp here and further along the Sauk Pass area (could never really find the exact location of Sauk Pass, and asked several folks who did not know either). There is a good boot track going straight up Kodak Peak. It starts near where the PCT hits the east spine of the peak. As the trail goes higher, it pretty much stays on this east spine of the peak until the top. I think it took me 1/2 hour to get up, 10 minutes down. Small snowfields still on the NE side of Kodak Peak are supplying water to the PCT on that side. Started out very early on the last day and made it out to the TH in 3 hours which is fast for me. Some very brushy areas on the first 5 miles of the N Fk trail, just a few and they are small. Hard to see where feet are being placed. I did exactly what I was trying NOT to do while traveling alone and twisted an ankle on one of these sections. Heavy boots helped and I was glad it didn't happen on the first day. No Mosquitoes, but the flies are still out there. Not too bad though.

After a lot of back and forth regarding destinations Sadie's Driver, Bad Dog, and I set out for Cady Ridge saturday morning. The three humans were outnumbered by the four dogs on this one. A long drive found us leaving the Little Wenatchee Ford parking around 10am, heading across the bridge and up Cady Ridge. We encountered a nice guy with a cross cut saw logging out parts of the trail. Shortly thereafter we were passed by a pair of horse riders and their dogs. Back on the way we pushed up the ridge and into the glorious green meadows on top. The clouds were low but bright and occasionally parted, promising a blue sky trip. We had some flower delays as we made our way along the ridge. Spirits were high. Soon we were nearing Wards pass and stopped for a lunch break. Off in the distance we could see the riders climbing up past the Sally Ann junction. We took off after them, crossing a few snow fields, eager to find a camp. Passing around the backside of Kodak peak we ran into a solo hiker. Over the trip we talked to everyone and casually asked if they read NWHikers, hoping to meet a new face. We didn't even have to ask this time, GaliWalker recognized all the dogs before ourselves! Not wanting to interrupt his marathon dayhike, and hoping to drop our heavy packs, we pushed on and picked a sheltered site on the shoulder of Kodak. And promptly everything went to hell. As soon as our tents went up the clouds, which stayed high and bright this far, dropped down and encircled us. Temperatures plummeted and views disappeared. It was only 3pm and we'd already abandoned our dayhiking plans. Instead the evenings entertainment consisted of alcohol. I'd packed in a beer, Suzanne had her customary red wine, and even Joanna brought some too. The bad dogs were sporting handy Gulpy bottles for their water so the humans decided to put them to use as well - by filling one with red wine! A must have hiking accessory for sure. With solid clouds, mist, and still dropping temperatures Suzanne retreated to her tent. Joanna and I tried to tough it out awhile longer, each putting on all our layers and, in Joanna's case, wrapping in a sleeping bag. But it became too much for us and by 8pm we were also retreating to the warmth of the tents. I noticed the suggestion on my can of Boddington's Ale directed a serving temperature of 41 F - right on target! None of us were optimistic about the next day and we discussed abandoning the trip, hiking out in the morning if the clouds remained. I stayed up reading until late at night, wishing I'd brought something more light-hearted than Into Thin Air. Overnight it rained. Big droplets pounded the tents and a solid breeze blew through. We were all up early, dismayed to find the clouds remaining. At breakfast we discussed a simple backtrack, avoiding the soggy brush on the Little Wenatchee, and breaking our loop. But then, by some amazing twist, the clouds started to fade. Indian Head popped out first, then distant peaks to the west, and even Kodak peak! Immediately the character of our trip changed - there was hope! We had to take advantage of this so we packed up and headed to Indian Head. Losing the 500 ft to Indian Pass put us in the clouds but we knew we'd rise above, regaining that and more on the way up the peak. Then shortly after the pass a near disaster occurred. The dogs were snuffling upslope and suddenly all of them bolted down the steep hill, disappearing into the woods. We never saw anything but believed they were after a deer. Lots of yelling, whistling, waiting, and even a jolt to Emma's shock collar failed to bring them back. Eventually Holly and Gusto came back, panting heavily, but there was no sign of Emma and Banjo. We continued calling before Joanna suggested Suzanne and I go up Indian Head while she waited for the dogs. Reluctantly we set off, hearing cries for ""Emma!"" much of the way up the peak. Our hearts weren't really in the climb and we slowly pushed up through the wet brush, not really sure where we were going. Neither of us had planned to go up Indian Head this trip and we didn't have a map or know the route, only a quick description from Joanna. But partway up we emerged from the clouds, spotting the summit and beautiful meadows covering the whole slope. We could see where we needed to go. Even better, behind us, we could see the tops of every peak sailing like ships on a sea of fog. It was amazing. We set course for the ridge, planning to traverse over to the summit. Along the way the bad-dog gene kicked in for Gusto and he would frequently disappear over little rises chasing marmots and scents. Even the whistle didn't bring him back. After a few of these he found himself attached to the end of Suzanne's trekking pole, dog-catcher style, until we cleared the marmot dens. Past these scented dog temptations we crested the lower part of the ridge, rewarded with an awesome view of Glacier Peak just across the valley. It was so close we could reach out and touch it! But an even better sight was down in the meadows far below; three white spots coming up the hill. The white dogs were accounted for! We scrambled up a steep little way trail to the upper ridge and traversed along scree and dirt steps to the base of the summit. From here it looked like a nasty scramble but we remembered Joanna said the top was ""not intuitive"". I continued on around the corner of the ridge and found easy heather and grass slopes to the top, bypassing the scramble. We were soon on top, enjoying the view and reading the register. Several familiar NWHikers names were found, including one old entry by Jamin and Justus S - hope that stomach flu didn't dampen your trip Justus. After lounging around, taking tons of photos, we were joined by the Bad Dogs who had powered up the mountain at blistering speed. We all signed in, had a snack, and had to start the descent. Our trip down was nearly as slow as the ascent due to frequent flower breaks! The meadows were amazing - lupine, paintbrush, phlox, aster, everything. Colors everywhere. The sun was now firmly in place and the whole hillside glowed. Last night we were drunk on wine, today on flowers. But we were burning daylight and had a long trip out ahead of us. We made it back down to the trail and parted ways with the Bad Dogs here. Suzanne and I had to hike out but Joanna was planning one more day. We headed back to camp while she went on for some White Pass explorations, t his time with Emma, bad dog numero-uno, tightly leashed. It was now early afternoon with many miles to go so we sped along back to camp, stopping only to scoop up some water and let Gusto cool off in the occasional small pond. Back at camp the breeze had died off and now the bugs were out. We packed quickly and headed out, but not before one more peak. Dropping packs near the trail junction we walked up the few hundred feet to Kodak peak. Partway up the bad-dog impulse again kicked in for Gusto who went tearing down the hill. Eventually he came back up, more or less climbing Kodak twice. Views from the top were great but considering the splendor we found on Indian Head a bit underwhelming. A quick snack on top and we were heading down. As we slowly dropped down to Meander Meadows on the rutty, muddy, heavily eroded Little Wenatchee trail we could see the freshly constructed section of trail on the opposite side tempting us. It would certainly have been easier and more direct but sadly wasn't open yet. At the valley floor the trail meanders, true to the name of the place, and occasionally fades out. We crossed the meadow wondering when the downhill would begin. Once through it began and continued in spades. The brush here overhung the trail to hip height but was thankfully dry. Once through this we had only a long flat slog back to the car. The sun was getting very low but the brush only became higher. Gusto disappeared altogether beneath it, the only sign of him was the scraping noise his dog-pack made while he pushed through. The trip alternated between meadows, stands of trees, and more meadows. Each group of trees had us thinking it was the last only to find yet another meadow. One last surprise awaited up the hillside - a black bear sitting there, watching us, before walking off! I caught a photo before he disappeared, rendering my big zoom lens more than just dead weight this trip. At last we passed the Cady Creek trail crossing and the cars were in sight. And what a welcome sight! It was now after 7pm. We'd awoken early and left camp for Indian Head around 7:30 am - nearly twelve hours of solid hiking time with minimal breaks. Sitting down in the car never felt so good. It felt so good for Gusto that he stayed down the whole trip back, despite two stops for food! This was a fantastic trip, if much more difficult than planned. Never give up on your trips! All three of us were set to write this one off as a dud, right up until the morning, but everything turned out great! One heck of a summit, a nice hike in, some adventure, and great company. Suzanne and I are now junior members of the Bad Dog marathon-hiking club; we'll be expecting merit badges when Joanna returns. We didn't return to Seattle until after 10pm so I still have a lot of photos to sort through. Here's one for now, Suzanne will have more. Trip stats: 25.6 miles 7581 ft total gain 3 humans 4 dogs Trail conditions summary: Road into parking is pretty good, some minor potholes. Cady Ridge trail in excellent shape. Some snow patches near Lake Sally Ann turn of, no problem to cross. PCT down to Indian Pass is a little eroded, not bad. Little Wenatchee trail is very eroded and muddy down to Meander, then very faint. Trail reconstruction & reroute in progress. Very brushy from the meadows to the trailhead, lots of hip height plants. Would be soaking in early morning or rainy conditions. Bad dog ranking, for those keeping score: #1 - Emma #2 - Banjo #3 - Gusto Full trip photos here: http://www.pbase.com/billcat/cadyridge