Monogram Lake — Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022

This one had been on my list for a while so I was excited to get out there, unfortunately I was short on time so I didn’t make it all the way to the lake. I passed some backpackers coming down from the lake who said it was great but buggy.
The trail description should read “Don’t be a wuss, you’re going to climb straight up this mountain while being assaulted by flying insects and stinging nettle.”
WEAR PANTS. I wore shorts and there was so much regret. The flies were terrible and got worse as I climbed. There is a very overgrown section of trail that’s full of stinging nettle. Watch your step as the overgrowth conceals the rocks and roots you need to pick your way over. I had a snack break at about 3.6 miles in at a lovely meadow full of wildflowers. Saw some bear tracks in the mud but no bears. Turned around there and headed back to the car. According to my Garmin, the trail gains about 1000 ft of elevation per mile. Trail is in good shape except the overgrown section (less than 0.5 mile) and about 8 large trees that require climbing over or around. There are two pullouts on Cascade River Road for parking. I only passed 6 people going up and down. Worth the hike but go with long sleeves and pants and bug repellent!