Did a modified version of this loop clockwise, including a visit to Glacier Peak meadows, and it was the most beautiful trip we've done in WA. Everything blooming in the constant meadows. We took our time, and took four days. The weather was uniformly clear and hot. In fact, heat was one of the biggest challenges of this trip. After the first day, when we camped at the base of the climb, you are above timberline and in the sun the majority of the time.
Highly recommend Glaicer Peak meadows, as the campsite is on a knoll looking directly at the peak above you. Our two boys are grown young men now and happily have reserves of energy now gone from my wife and I. They explored up into the cirque of the lake toward the peak and swam in the glacial milk waters.
A note on bugs. As bugs go, you couldn't complain. They were present, and would keep you moving or in your tent near dinner time, but compared to really buggy places, they were nothing. No Canadian Rockies like hordes. Or even Sierra meadow. You are high enough and maybe it was late enough that they are suppressed. Horse flies an annoyance, and some biting fly that was laughably easy to kill before they bit.
Most trail in great shape. Thanks trail workers! Only place with poor trail conditions is Pilot Ridge. It is especially bad on the climb/descent to North Fork Sauk, with quite a few trees down that require navigation. Nothing serious, but not smooth walking.
We took the high route to Blue Lake, and it's as easy and good as any other parts of the trail until the very top on the south side. That last stretch may distress someone with fear of exposure buy my wife did fine and she is no fan of exposure. The camping at Blue Lake was sublime. We swam and luxuriated in the cold lake. We had been sweating the whole hike. Hot!
Nothing to say that hasn't been said otherwise. Our favorite overnight hike in the State. NO bears. Some testosterone yahoo had a 9mm strapped to his chest and fired it near us on the switchbacks climbing up to White Pass. We met him soon after he fired the gun and he climbed he did it scare off a bear that was approaching him. So unlikely. So ignorant. So sad.
One of the most incredible things about this ridge walk is how many different watersheds you look down into. We counted seven from Red Pass over to Blue Lake. You are literally traversing the spine of the mountains, with massive drainages on all sides. What a wonderland of natural systems and beauty.
A final word on people. It was not too busy, at all. We were never running into many people. We never had trouble getting camping, even at Blue Lake. Given the divine beauty of this area, it is a lot of work, and people seem to stay away for whatever reasons. So be it. Can't wait to go back.
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