Mount Pugh — Saturday, Sep. 6, 1997

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Trail in excellent condition, showing evidence of much recent restoration and repair effort—thanks! One huge blowdown remains above Lake Metan, and a couple of smaller obstacles, but it's possible to make good time all the way to the summit of Pugh. Trail is very crowded, although given that it's close to the city and very easy for its elevation gain (1600 meters/5300 feet), and that the upper ridgewalk is pure delight, it's not surprising. Lower road was open to vehicles, so hikers were parking at actual trailhead; cars were not ticketed this day for not having their permits on display. Bugs were not bad, except for the ground wasps, which were riled enough to inflict several stings. No water above lake; trail is snow-free, but snowpatches are still accessible from trail above Stujack Pass. Fall coloring is beginning; some huckleberries available for picking. Wild- flowers limited to a little lupine, paintbrush, fireweed. Subalpine firs at treeline have nice crop of cones.