[yukon222]

Spent several days exploring the area around Mazama right at the end of Fall with the Schmidtaltitude crew. Managed to squeeze in several dayhikes just before the annual snow returned. Base camp was a nice rental cabin a few miles West of Mazama. A few days late for ideal larch color but still good colors even though the weather was less than cooperative. Day 1 - Drive over the North Cascades Highway, stop at Ross Dam for a quick leg stretcher.

Row wants to make sure she is going on the trip!

Rowena raring to go, Kiefer is happy to get in a few more zzz's.

Ross Dam

Ross Dam

Hiking back up to the highway from the dam.

Trailhead pic.

Cutthroat overlook.

Cutthroat overlook

Whippets snag the couch right away!

Day 2 - Counterclockwise dayhike loop up to Lake Ann, Heather Pass, Maple Pass and Rainy Lake. I enjoyed the narrower ridge descent from Maple Pass back to the trailhead. Interesting views down to Lake Ann and across to Black Peak.

Lake Ann

Colors above Lake Ann

Whippet wrangling above Lake Ann.

Brief snowstorm pelted us with wet flakes.

Brighter skies and colors. Briefly before the weather blew back in.

Baby Tamarack.

Whippets turn up their noses at "no hunting" sign.

Best weather of the day, super bright sunshine. For a few minutes.

Looking back over towards Heather Pass area.

A little bit of prime colors. Area must be spectacular if you are able to time the peak colors with sunshine.

More snow falling with Lake Ann far below.

Lots of larches.

On the edge.

Corteo and Black Peaks with Lake Ann tucked in below.

Lake Ann's magnificent setting.

Whippets really enjoying the cabin's gas stove after a long day in the cold.

Day 3 - Drive up to Slate Pass, hike up the PCT and visit Tamarack Peak, Windy Buffalo Peak and Slate Peak. A touch of snow here and there added some beauty to the tamaracks. Clouds hung low over the peaks most of the day.

PCT at Slate Pass area.

Trail a little narrow to keep the whippets in line!

Wide open country. Tamarack Peak in distance left center.

Very enjoyable when the warm sunshine would break thru the clouds. Chilly air when it wouldn't.

Marching onward.

Barron Hut yurt, I think.

Rowena claims Tamarack Peak summit.

Unfriendly skies with a long hike back to the trailhead.

Kiefer really enjoying warm hugs on Tamarack summit.

I think Kiefer is smiling too as Tisha warms her up.

Larch needles unable to shed off the snow.

Cross country for a bit.

Looking back at Tamarack Peak.

Slate Peak lookout tower in distance at far left.

Tamarack needles getting ready to drop.

Tagged Slate Peak lookout - had hoped for some nice sunset colors but the Sun was buried behind too many clouds.

Day 4 - just a quick short morning hike up to Blue Lake before the long drive back home. Fog enveloped the mountains around the lake. I'd like to return to see the views.

All in all, a nice mini road trip to wrap up the hiking season.

[zephyr]

[lookout bob]

great pictures!!

[iron]

[Brushbuffalo]

[puzzlr]

Thanks for the report! Don't be such a stranger ...

[mbravenboer]

Nice to see the whippets and their companions!

[contour5]

Nice pictures. Welcome home.

[williswall]

Someone had to do it....