Headlee Pass and Vesper Lake — Friday, Oct. 28, 2011

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Headed out early to Sunrise Mine trail. First one at the trail head today. So pleased with the drive to the trail head. Some views of snow capped peaks and the road is in good condition. Headed out on this trail for my first time and right away am happy I did. The first stream crossing has a fairly stable board to walk across. Looks like it might have been part of an old bridge crossing it was a bit slippery. The third river crossing was a bit trickier but had several places to try crossing if need be. The trail is in great shape, lot's of old growth trees and views of Mount Dickeman and Stillaguamish peak along the way.Once you come to the talus fields you can look across the valley and see what looks to be the entrance to sunrise mine. Does anyone know if the mine is seen from the trail? I will post a picture. You can also see Morning Star, Lewis peak and Sperry peak. I'm sure I'm leaving some out. I didn't have a lot of time today so I couldn't explore Headlee pass like I wanted to but ventured around all the talus fields. I saw what looked to be a mink or fisher. Lot's of Pikas gathering food. A really neat ice cave has formed. The snow has covered the tops of the peaks and as I was exploring it started to snow so I decided to head back. I can't wait to come back up to do Vesper lake and Vesper peak. Too many hikes and so little time :)