Perry Creek — Friday, Jul. 17, 1998

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

After reading the earlier reports of this trail and my guidebook I felt compeeled to offer this report. Parking does not resemble anything like an earlier report had. It is actually quite tidy, but there were many cars here. This was a busy trail. I stopped counting folks on the trail, but the register, by 1400, revealed 55 people after me and several cars arrived while I was collecting myself to leave. The trail itself is well maintained; but, its nature is rocky and rooty. Mainly rocky to the crossing and mainly rooy to the meadows. This was the case such that I found going up much more enjoyable than coming down. (Not that this deviates from Pacific Northwest trails in general, there is a difference between well-maintained and easy to walk on.) I saw no children on the trail; saw three dog-owners, all without leashes, but apparently behaving well. The section to the creek crossing is somewhat overgrown with vegetation and does not have a lot of shade; so, some nice views. The section on to the meadows has many lovely trees, with few views. My favorite was after crossing the creek across the way you see the snow spilling out of a long chute (probably below Dickerman). About the meadows. It was too early for an abundance of berries and flowers. Folks should make every effort to stay on only established tracks. Goodness knows there are enough of them--it should be no trouble doing so. Overall a well worthwhile hike. Suggest you arrive early to avoid the crowds.