Thorp Lake, Red Mountain (Commonwealth Basin), Kachess Ridge / Kachess Beacon, Thorp Mountain Lookout via Thorp Creek, No Name Ridge - Thorp Mountain, Joe Lake & Painted Mountain (Red Mountain) — Saturday, Jul. 26, 2003

Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway

We took advantage of the new Loop Hikes Washington book to find a day loop hike fairly near Seattle. We ended up with Hike 53, Thorp Mountain. We included the side trips to Thorp Lake and Thorp Mountain lookout along with the loop. It was a bright, very warm, sunny day, and the flies were enjoying the sunshine as much as we were! The trail was in good shape. Thorp Lake was a beautiful gem, and we were really glad we made the quick side trip, especially when we spotted a Hermit Thrush near the lake. The scramble up to Thorp Mountain lookout wasn't bad, and the view of Rainier was spectacular! There is very little water between the junction of Thorp Creek trail and Little Jo lake, so stock up! The section of Red Mountain Trail that is included in this loop says ""Hard to Follow"" and it surely was. The trail is supposed to go right up and over the top of a 5357-foot outcrop, but we ended up flanking it on the south. We stumbled on a dozen elk, including three calves, in one of the small valleys along this section. Little Jo Lake was pretty low and not very appealing. There is water again heading out on Little Jo Lake trail, which you'll need because the trail gets quite dry and dusty before you're done. There were ripe and delicious huckleberries on the way in and on the way out from this loop. A great day overall!!