23 Hikers went to North Cascades Institute August 11 – 14, anticipating a good time with fellow hikers and some wonderful trails high in the North Cascades. We got all that, plus plenty of hot weather and smoke from various wildfires. Many thanks to our organizers this year: Dianne, Margot and Lee. Their work made everything go smoothly!
At Ladder Falls
Some of us enjoyed the short trails at the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center and Ladder Falls before checking in at the NCI.
The first day of hiking had the group dividing between those who were headed for Cascade Pass (where the amount of smoke discouraged picture taking) and those who opted to stay near the Institute and hike the Diablo Lake and Sourdough Creek trails. Those who stayed closer to ‘home’ certainly had more time for happy hour – the Cascade Pass hikers were hurrying to make it to dinner!
Along Diablo Lake Trail
Rest point along the trail
Sometimes it was hard to know which way to go – the first hikers left clues for those who followed.
Where Next?
Last message on Diablo Trail
Virginia, Annette & Marilyn
Dianne, Mary Beth & Helen
Diablo Lake Hike
Smoke obscured the views at Cascade Pass
Julee & Irma at Cascade Pass
The group split again for the second day of the retreat, with the hardy headed to Heather Pass and/or on to complete the Maple Pass Loop, and the rest choosing to take a ferry ride on Lake Diablo.
Along the ridge at Maple Pass
Karen & Joan – Maple Pass Trail
Up, up, up to Maple Pass
A beautiful lake view on the Maple Pass Loop
Back at the NCI in front of our lodge after Maple Pass
View from the ferry
Sourdough Creek Trail: Marilyn, Dianne and Elaine getting their pic taken by Jeanne while posing for Helen
On our last night, some collapsed in their rooms while others sang beautifully in the lounge.
Singing in the lounge with Jen accompanying
On the last morning we said our goodbyes to each other and to the smoke, heading back to Bellingham with cooler weather and even some much needed rain!
Lake Diablo with smoke
Only a few days after the retreat, fires in the Newhalem and Goodell Creek area grew, and threatened not only the North Cascades Institute and the hydroelectric infrastructure at the Gorge Power Plant, but also the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center, forcing evacuations. Fortunately there was no loss of life, and the area opened again several weeks later.
Newhalem Fire