Trail itself was mostly dry and rooty/rocky except for the first section which follows the stream bed. I avoided that section by stepping to the road where the trail intersects and road walked to my car which was parked outside the trailhead on the way back. Air smelled a bit smoky at times but overall, it was a beautiful day and the lake was gorgeous as always. I got a late start and did the last half back by headlamp. There are 18 switchbacks on the way down.

The fall colors on Mt McCausland are past peak, but there are still some, although leaves seem to be dropping fast. The berries up the mountain are at peak - the thousands of them lining the trail made the steep climb up so much better.

I made a quick stop at the lake before heading back to the car. It appears that’s where most hikers were going today - I didn’t see anyone on the Mt McCausland spur, although all my talk about the berries may have given two hikers I chatted with on their way up the nudge they needed to give it a go.

#HikeTheState

Great hike today up to Mount McCausland then down to Lake Valhalla. 

Arrived at the trailhead around 1 pm for the "second shift." Hike up to Union Gap goes quick. Lots of switchbacks. Then the slow climb up to the junction with Mount McCausland along the PCT is smooth, but mostly in the forest. The climb to McCausland is quite steep, and some areas that hands help to scramble up, but no fall exposure. The false summit is pretty convincing. Travel out the back of the false summit and down a blowdown and around to reach the true summit. You know this is the true summit because of the log box at the top. Cool to lean the history and biography of Norm McCausland. The view north of here is great with amazing views of Glacier and on a clearer day, Baker. You get a 300 deg view from up here. The rocks are also all quite square so great for sitting. The heather and foliage is changing color and fall feels here! Poles would be definitely nice for the hike back down to the PCT (I forgot them in my car). The hike down to Valhalla lake along the PCT is a nice stroll and the lake is great. Really nice beach area. Hike out was uneventful other than a tumble (I'm OK). 

Happy Trails!

Annual fall Lake Valhalla visit, this year from Stevens Pass along the PCT on Sept. 25th.  Parking at Stevens was a breeze as always, only two cars when I pulled up at 10ish.  Trail is lovely as ever, no steep climbs, just a meander through the trees with a couple stunning meadows popping out here and there.  Also heard and saw so many pikas, busy doing their last preparation for the winter. 

We're past peak berry bush color season, particularly down low, but coming up over the last saddle to the lake, they were glowing and absolutely LOADED with berries.  Right by the lake was pretty picked up over, but take the turn up towards Mt. McCausland and they look like they haven't been touched.  I wondered if I had died and gone to heaven, berries and gorgeous red bushes as far as the eye could see. 

Didn't summit McCausland, but scrambled up the steep exposed section to eat a snack on a rock up high looking over the lake. As usual at this point in the season, that climb is dry and dusty and loose. Poles would be very helpful. 

Beach at the lake was as beautiful as ever.  Didn't have time to swim this time, but on a sunny day, a quick dip in the cold water would be so refreshing. 

Trail is very well maintained and easy to navigate. There is one intersection with PCT you’ll want to pay attention to, but otherwise very straightforward. The lake was beautiful and refreshing - my dog loved wading in the water. Fall colors are starting to come out!