Tonga Ridge / Mount Sawyer — Monday, Oct. 6, 2025

Enjoyed a lovely outing to Tonga Ridge / Mt Sawyer. Saw only 5 people. There was some mild to moderate wildfire smoke - which was bothering me for the first part of the hike, but it mostly dissipated. Hazy views to the south. Views to the north (after reaching the saddle on Mt Sawyer trail) were super! Glacier Peak and Mt Baker visible.

Lots of ripe berries on the slopes of Mt Sawyer (but no bears!) Mushrooms are popping up here and there.

It would be great if WTA could do a trail work party on the Mt Sawyer trail. The first part is quite steep - it just needs to be re-routed a bit. The last portion is narrow and very brushy. (But the middle part is great!) Recommend wearing long sleeves and long pants to prevent brush burn-rash.

Garbage patrol: I was delighted that the trail was nearly clear of trash. I did remove some candy wrappers and one "TP flower" (but only one was found!), but otherwise it was remarkably clean. The parking area was another matter - a good sized bag of trash was collected.