Cady Creek, Dishpan Gap, Blue Lake High & Cady Ridge — Friday, Jul. 27, 2018

This was a three day backpack with a few friends.  Started about noon from the parking lot.  It was warm and humid when we started up Cady Creek.  Nice gentle trail, overgrown in places, but we were still able to find the trail without much difficulty.

Once up to the PCT, we headed north.  The trail from that point forward was clear and there was minimal snow to cross.  Nice forest then transitioned to meadows and open views.  There was a lightening storm and some rain and hail in the afternoon.  A nearby spot where lightening had struck was smoking.  We waited below the ridge until the storm seemed to be moving on and the smoke appeared to be dissipating, then continued on to Lake Sally Ann.  There were several established campsites in the trees on the east and north side of the lake.  There was more lightening and rain that night. 

The following day we chose an out and back trip heading north on the PCT, through Dishpan Gap and into the Glacier Peak Wilderness until we reached a beautiful field of lupine a little ways beyond Reflection Pond.  There were beautiful views of Glacier Peak along the way.  It rained off and on throughout the morning, then cleared up the rest of the day.  There were several marmots and chipmunks on the trail.  We passed someone who had seen a black bear in a meadow ahead, but the bear had returned to the forest by the time we reached the area.  Another hiker let us know about a porcupine she had seen on the trail at dusk.  This section of the PCT is in great shape.  Turned around and headed back south.  At Dishpan Gap, took the Blue Lake High Route trail.  It is a steep trail with loose rock.  I was glad I had a daypack on, it would not have been easy with a full pack.  Blue lake is gorgeous and has many nice campsites.  I continued the loop around Little Blue Lake and back to the PCT.  This was one of my favorite sections of trail and the grade is much nicer than the high route trail, and definitely worth the two extra miles. 

We camped again at Lake Sally Ann then headed out early the next morning on Cady Ridge trail.  Lots of wildflowers and nice views.  It was hot and there is no water for a long stretch of this trail.  The last section down the ridge was steep and a little loose. 

The flies and mosquitoes are out and biting.  Long pants, a long sleeve shirt and a bug net were very helpful.  The natural bug spray I used did not seem to repel the bugs, but deet did seem to work. 

Just a reminder, even though it is summer, make sure to be prepared for changing conditions in the mountains.