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.
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