Desolation Peak, East Bank Ross Lake — Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Finally carved out enough time to tackle this run/hike after reading Desolation Angels many years ago. Got a late start and didn't hit the trailhead until nearly 8 but still was dumb enough to think I'd make it back before dark. The run along the lake was nice. Not Baker Lake nice, but nice. After some sign confusion just past Lightning Creek I fnally headed up the mountain. Slowly. It is actually similar to Granite in that you break out of the woods, think you see the top, and then realize it is much farther off. Views at the top were truly spectacular, though, and worth the effort. The lookout is closed for the season and cinched down with a cargo strap. After running down the mountain I began the stumble back to the car which went fine until it got dark and I was reminded had sinfully forgotten one of the Essentials. The LCD screen of a camera was a poor replacement but it did the job. Didn't come across a single soul the entire trip. Seems shocking for such a well-known spot on a sunny Fall Saturday. Gotta love the North Cascades. I'll be back, but next time with a flashlight and will probably take the ferry down to Lightning.