Suiattle Pass, Upper Lyman Lake, Image Lake via Miners Ridge & Railroad Creek — Saturday, Sep. 5, 1998

Central Cascades

Holden Village Image Lake Lyman Lake Miners Ridge Suiattle Pass Suiattle River - The Glacier Peak Area - This trip took us from the Suaittle River Trailhead up to Image Lake, the Fire Lookout at Miners Ridge, over Suiattle Pass and Cloudy Pass to Lyman Lake and then on to Holden and Lucerne, where we took the boat to Chelan. We were dropped off at the trailhead after 9p.m. and made our way in a couple of miles via headlamp. There are 4 or 5 really nice camps along the Suiattle River trail. There were no problems to speak of along this trail and not much to look at. You really do not see much of the river from the trail and if it were not for a couple of impressive streams and the neat suspension bridge there would be nothing to look at. The second day we made our way up to Image Lake. It was quite a work out to cover this distance in one day but is do able. As you begin to climb towards Image Lake you begin to get the great views of Glacier Peak and from here on out the scenery is spectacular. We found a number of parties that did not want to take the time or effort to pursue the hike to Image Lake, but it is well worth it for the extra 3 miles or so that it adds to the trip. As dusk approached we witnessed a huge black bear playing in the open area on the north side of Miners Ridge. We were able to watch him from a distance of 200 yards. It finally got too dark and we headed to camp at Image Lake. The bear is the biggest black bear I have seen. It was cinnamon colored with gray tips. At first we thought it may be a grizzly due to its size. There is almost no water flowing into or out of Image Lake and it is closed to swimming to protect the water for drinking. There is also a ban on all camp fires. We were delighted to only see 2 other groups at Image, not bad for Labor Day weekend. The following morning we got up before sunrise to witness the red and pink colors dancing around Glacier Peak. This was a prime time to take pictures and get the reflections in Image Lake. We then visited the retired couple that is manning the fire lookout at Miners Ridge, but not before running into a bear on the trail half way between the lake and the lookout. The bear ran off after taking a minute to stare at this human figure. The couple at the lookout ws friendly. They are finishing up their 2 month stint and getting ready to leave. Between Image Lake and Miners Creek we did find signs of the mines that were once in operation and the remains of the miners cabins and foundations. Miners creek was a great place to take a break and to get refreshed in the cool water. The cabin just beyond here near the intersection with the PCT still has the bunk beds and a few other items laying about. A bar stool was a welcome sight to sit on and enjoy the views of Glacier. Suiattle pass was not too terribly hard to conquer but it is a good workout between Suiattle and Cloudy Pass, but with great views up the valley. You are rewarded with magnificent views once you reach Cloudy Pass. Lyman Lake and Lyman Glacier are breathtaking. There were plenty of campsites to choose from at Lyman Lake. Bears were also spotted near upper Lyman on the trail. From Lyman down into Holden is a breeze. There are a number of switchbacks through the ferns and then you cruise on into Heart Lake. We found a handful of people at the lake, all with the same thing in mind, to cool off in the lake and lay on the beach. There are some nice campsites at Heart Lake and just west 1/2 mile or so. We walked into Holden Village in the middle of a wedding and lucked out that they were having barbecued King salmon for the wedding feast. We watched the wedding, showered and then ate. Make certain you book a room at Holden before hand. We wrote a week or two before and did not have word back before we left, fortunately we got the last room ($50 per person). If you are unable to get a room you can always camp just west of the village near the ballfield. One thing that amazed us about this trip was the amount of dust on the trails, due to the lack of rain this past month. There were also no bugs at all. There is lots of wildlife, including the bears and deer. From Image Lake to Holden the scenery is spectacular, some of the best you will ever see. The guidebooks indicate to do the trip in 5-7 days. We did it in 3 days. If you are in good shape you can do it, but I would recommend 4 days. As we headed toward Chelan on the Lady of the Lake boat we watched the helicopters fighting the fire near twenty-five mile creek, with large water buckets. This fire has been going since late July. This was a great time of year for this trip. Enjoy!