A forecast for minimal rain and minimal smoke led me to the Steven's Pass area. It was an absolutely beautiful, peaceful, and foggy morning hike. I decided to check out the trail that leads up to Mount McCausland even though I knew there wouldn't be any views due to the thick fog and smoke that I'm sure was out there beyond the fog. The turn-off is marked only with a cairn (pictured below) and starts out, and continues, steeply. It felt like I had climbed my way into Autumn! The shrubbery was changing color and there was a very cold fog whipping through the mountain side. I put on all my layers (thermal, insulation, shell, and wool beanie) but it still wasn't enough for the low 40's temperature, so I decided I had seen enough fog and turned back 3/4 of the way up since my summer-adjusted body was feeling chilled. I made my way back down, and headed over to the warmer Lake Valhalla for lunch.
Trip Report
Mount McCausland, Lake Valhalla — Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Type of Hike
Day hikeTrail Conditions
Trail in good conditionRoad
Road rough but passableBugs
No bugsSnow
Snow free
Smoke report: I didn't notice any. The fog was thick, so there may have been some, I just couldn't see it. I normally feel the smoke in my lungs and throat, but I felt totally fine, so if there was some it was minimal.
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