North Cascades NP – Day 3

June16, 2022

After raining all night long, we were not sure what to do today. After a leisurely morning, we walk the half mile trail to the Visitor Center and look at their excellent display. The weather is clearing, so after lunch at the trailer, we decide to find a hike for the afternoon.

We come to the Pyramid Lake hike…4.2 miles round trip and 1500 elevation gain. So why not try it! Well, it begins with some high rocks to navigate and we seem to be climbing strait up. Not very far along, we meet a young couple coming down. They assure us it is not this bad further on and offer us their hiking sticks, assuring us that they were very helpful on the climb. I am so thankful for those sticks! The assent was relentless! The trail was very rocky for about a mile.

Then changed to a more riparian, wet terrain. It was a refreshing change to walk along the creek…but still going up, up, up!

There were times that I didn’t think I could go any further. Tim encouraged me on after my many times of taking a rest.

I love a hike with a goal at the end, so I didn’t want to give up seeing the beautiful alpine lake at the top. So, after 2 1/2 hours, we made it to the top!! We were exhausted, but enjoyed sitting by the lake for 15 minutes. I was proud that this 70 year old lady made it to the top!

The descent took us 1 1/2 hours. Awe, back to the trailer and much needed rest and a simple hot dog dinner. Anything tastes great after a hike like that!