Cady Ridge, Dishpan Gap, Meander Meadows & Kodak Peak — Friday, Aug. 30, 2013

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East

Spent Labor day weekend up in the Glacier Peak area. Arrived at the Little Wenatchee ford trailhead and only found 6-7 other cars, very promising for Labor Day weekend and headed up the Cady Ridge Trail (after reading trip reports, neither of us wanted to come down it, even with poles). It was steep but fortunately in the trees through much of the switchbacks so not too hot. Missed the wildflowers by probably a couple of weeks but the views were beautiful and we were more than compensated for lack of flowers by an abundance of blueberries and huckleberries, one certainly would not starve up there right now! We set up camp at Meander Meadows where we camped for two nights. For those with older GTM's, be advised that what appears to be the 'official' trail leading from the PCT to the camp sites has moved to the east side of the valley, it is well maintained and has clearly been worked on, but if you are using an old GTM (the electronic version is old) you will think you are on the wrong side of the valley. On day two we headed to White Pass on the PCT. Perfect weather, reasonably cool so we arrived at White Pass before our turnaround time and so decided to go to Red Pass. The section to Red Pass was one of our favorite trails, very dramatic views down the valley. Loved the moonscape views from Red Pass, can't wait to do this as a section hike from Steven's to Stehekin, have the perfect campsite picked out! On the last day we got up early and put a stove and breakfast in our packs and headed up Kodak Peak for 360 degree views, it was fantastic, didn't want to leave the top but eventually had to come down and return to the real world. Hiked out the Little Wenatchee River trail, it served its purpose of being the shortest trail back to the parking lot (and ultimately Zeke's), but seriously it had no redeeming value, in fact it was sort of a god forsaken trail! Hot, very brushy and few views (OK, the first half had blueberries so we grazed). The only thing I would do differently would be to come out the Cady Pass, then Cady Creek trails to make a loop to the west, it's longer but would avoid a 7 mile bushwhack. Seriously great hike....fantastic weather (just enough clouds to make the sky interesting, but no rain, beautiful views and not too many people especially for a holiday week end, we ended up doing 43 miles in all. Saw marmots, ptarmigan, pica, elk, eagles, hawks, ravens and many other birds but no bears :-(. Bugs present but not horrible.