Scorpion Mountain via Johnson Ridge — Thursday, Jul. 27, 2000

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

We started out a bit skeptical due to the cloudy weather in Seattle and the poor forecast. However, it was sunny by Skykomish. the road to the trail head is good and clearly marked. the first mile of trail is up along an old road; this means it is rocky and slippery. The nice views help offset this. Soon, we entered the forest trail which winds through the trees along the top of the ridge. There are some blow downs but all are passable without much difficulty. The trail goes to the opening of Sunrise Mountain and there is the first hint of the panorama that lies ahead. There is a camp site here but no water. Next the trail drops down steeply for a few hundred feet. After climbing for about a mile, the trail breaks out into a beautiful meadow filled with flowers of all colors and sizes. We could see Stuart, Sloan, and Daniels, but Glacier Peak was in the clouds. It is a short trip to the top and this is covered with a snow cap and flower - just beatiful. Joan Lake is still half frozen and surrounded by snow. While we had a lazy lunch with the bugs, the clouds started moving in and obscuring the surrounding ridges and peaks. Soon, we were in the only sun around. As we headed back, the clouds moved overhead to cool us as we walked. The last half of this is a great hike and the flowers were a real treat.