Did the Golden Lakes Loop in reverse over the long weekend. Shocked that the parking lot at the trailhead was almost full, but luckily most people went to Crater Lakes or did the loop the standard way.
Cooney Lake area mostly snow-free, more patches around the horse camp; found the outhouse in pristine conditions, we might have been the first users this season. Only one other party the first night, but then mobbed the following two nights. A large number of horses arrived, and were let loose, with cowbells, during the night; they walked freely back and forth thru various campsites. It was rather spooky, was thinking the place is haunted by some cow ghosts :) Very cold nights, it got down to freezing.
Day-tripped to Merchants Basin and Sunrise Lake; the valley is lovely, lots of flowers. Just a few patches of soft snow to get up to the Sawtooth Crest.
Next day, it was onto Angel's Staircase and Upper Eagle Lake thru beautiful terrain: meadows with grass and flowers and the North Cascades staring at us. A few parties at Upper Eagle but plenty of space; bugs were a bit of an annoyance until we got a fire going. Upper Eagle is very impressive, we liked it even more than Cooney. The braver ones in our party took a quick dip. Decent-sized trout were spotted but unfortunately were totally uninterested in our spinner.
Hiked out on the fourth day, swam in the Methow river in Carlton and had late lunch at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery in Winthrop - their outdoor seating area is great, and everyone, patrons and staff, wore masks.
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