I've been hiking a ton and realized that I haven't posted any trip reports for months! Here's mine from yesterday: Planned for a big day out with my pup, so I chose the Marmot Pass area because of all the trail options up there. This is the 3rd time I've hiked Marmot this year but the first time that it's been snow free. Trail is clear of all obstacles up to Marmot and my GPS clocked me at taking 2:11 to get from the parking lot to the pass, I left the lot at 8:20am. I saw a few folks on my way up, all overnighters. From the pass, I headed down towards the shelter where I ran into a downed tree or two and I saw no one until I started heading back for Marmot after my turnaround point.
The trail up to Charlia Lakes breaks off just after the shelter and hugs the National Park boundary without crossing into the park, according to my GPS and map. Though I'm sure if I'd gone off the trail even 10 ft, it would have crossed the boundary. Be warned, this way trail is appropriately named as a 'way' trail as it is very STEEP, very narrow, and not really maintained. The trail takes you past a tiny little pond and then you continue up to a ridge. I stopped at the ridge above the first set of Charlia Lakes and found a spot to stop for a quick lunch. I think hiking all the way to the biggest of those lakes would add another mile or two to the trip which is very doable. I saw more people as I got close to the pass and even more on my descent back to the lot. My total time was almost exactly 8 hours and my moving time was 7:12. Total mileage was just a hair over 17 with almost 5800 ft. of elevation gain.
p.s. Apparently I left my trekking poles leaned up against the outhouse. If anyone sees them and lives in the Olympia area, could you please let me know? Otherwise I will just pick up a new set in the next couple weeks. Thanks!
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