Desolation Peak — Saturday, Jul. 2, 2005

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

I finally had the opportunity to hike the Desolation Peak trail in the North Cascades National Park complex this past July 4th weekend. We lucked out on the weather as they were calling for clouds and showers but sun and blue skies prevailed. I was with a group of 7 hardy folks out of the Tacoma branch of the Mountaineers (myself being an intruder from the Seattle branch), embarking on a weekend backpack to the north end of Ross lake which included a Sunday hike up to the famed Desolation Peak where Jack K. the beatnik poet contemplated his navel back in the 50s. I can see why he chose this peak as the place was quite a location to view out into the world and the North Cascades in particualar. The hike itself was a nice heart and lung tester as it is a 4,400 ft. gain and is straight up. I like that kind of hike myself and I made it to the top after 4.5 miles of hiking in 2 hours and 23 minutes. While there, I had a good talk with Maria the park ranger and lookout specialist who knew every peak on the horizon in every direction. I'm fairly proud of these two photos I've included being a rookie with my new Canon powershot 85. The mileage up to the north end of Ross lake via Canada was 205 miles one way from Bellevue. Indeed a far piece but a nice trip nevertheless. To be honest and candid, going up to our northern neighboring country makes me glad I live in the U.S. Was that politically incorrect for me to say that? Maybe so, but what the heck.