Type of Hike
Multi-night backpack
Per usual, our annual backpacking trip was decided by NOAA weather which we anxiously consulted several time a day prior to leaving. East Cascades once again...what happened to dry septembers? It turned out the the Chelan Sawtooths are a lovely place to go in later september. Highlights included golden larches, fat marmots, no motorcycles, good trails and stunning views. Recommend this hike as a relaxing overnight or multiday exploration. We started late, per usual and got on the Foggy Dew Trail around 4pm. Trail in good condition, no dust due to recent rain. Up, up up, but in a fairly moderate grade. With dark rapidly approaching we were relieved to find the Merchant's Basin camp under the canopy of subapline fir, White pine, and Englemann Spruce with the stream nearby. Woke to blue skies and dramatic basin view...not in Seattle anymore! The hike up to Sunrise lake was set in a magical allee of golden larches framed with a azure blue sky. We dropped packs and explored the 'secret trail (wolfwoman 8/19/10) leading up the west side of the cirque. Amazing views to the west and south. Spent the second night at Sunrise Lake amongst the larches.The best campsites are off the lake and up the east shoulder. Strong winds and rain arrived in the night and we decided to packup after dayhiking from Merchant's Basin up to the pass to look down at Cooper Lake and surrounding options. Saw a couple locals on horseback and a group of polite mtn bikers. Arrived back in the trailhead at dark, again. Eagle Lakes and Cooper Lake look like other interesting options to explore in the area.
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